Education priorities of the Belgian Presidency

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On 1 January 2024, Belgium took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until 30 June 2024, and will be followed by the Hungarian Presidency. An 18-month programme of the Council, prepared by the Spain, Belgium and Hungary Presidencies provides a policy framework for the 3 presidencies. The next trio presidency will be made up by Poland, Denmark, Cyprus (2025-2026). The website of the Belgian Presidency is Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union (europa.eu) and upcoming events of the Presidency are available at Events (europa.eu)

The main priorities of the Belgian Presidency on education, training and research are:

  • Strengthening the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training;
  • A more inclusive, gender-equal and fair society and enhancing the quality and equity of education and training systems;
  • Facilitating young people’s inclusion and participation in political decision-making;
  • Encouraging lifelong learning and removing barriers to learning and teaching mobility;
  • Initiating discussions on the forthcoming higher education package (joint European degrees, European quality assurance and recognition system, European framework for attractive and sustainable careers in higher education).
  • Implementing digital education policy and the digital education action plan’s (DEAP) progress report and priorities for 2024-2027;
  • Enhancing teacher careers and tackling teacher shortages;
  • Evaluating and updating the European and international policy agenda on children, youth and children’s rights.

Highlights from the  Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council on 13-14 May 2024:

  • Adoption of Conclusions on evidence-informed education in the European Education Area
  • Adoption of Council Recommendation on an updated framework regarding mobility for education and training
  • Adoption of Conclusions on the European and international political agendas in the field of childhood, youth and children's rights

The Employment, Social policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will meet on 11-12 March, on 7 May, and on 20-21 June 2024 and it will discuss, among many other issues,  the Regulation relating to the establishment of the European Talent Pool, Right to disconnect and telework, the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, and social investment.

Key events for social partners:

  • Social Partners Summit – Val Duchesse (Brussels) 31 January 2024
  • Conference of Ministers in charge of the Social Economy (Liege) 11-13 February 2024
  • Tripartite Social Summit (Brussels) 20 March 2024
  • High-level Conference on the Social Pillar (La Hulpe) 15-16 April 2024