ETUCE Conference 2024: Key Decisions and Leadership Changes in Budva

Published:

ETUCE Conference 2024: Key Decisions and Leadership Changes in Budva

The European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) hosted its quadrennial conference in Budva, Montenegro, on November 26-27, 2024. This first in-person gathering in eight years brought together educational leaders from across Europe to debate key challenges, elect new representatives, and adopt resolutions crucial to the future of public education.

Leadership Changes and New Appointments

A major outcome of the conference was the election of new ETUCE leadership:

  • President: John MacGabhann from TUI, Ireland, was elected as the new ETUCE President, succeeding Larry Flanagan. In his acceptance speech, MacGabhann stressed the importance of listening attentively to members, effective resource allocation, and addressing the long-term future of education, especially regarding climate change as a priority for unions.
  • Vice-Presidents: Six Vice-Presidents were elected to represent a diverse and balanced leadership:
    • Cuqui Vera Belmonte (FECCOO, Spain)
    • Dorota Obidniak (ZNP, Poland)
    • Julien Farges (SNES-FSU, France)
    • Rob Copeland (UCU, UK)
    • Lasse Bjerg Jørgensen (BUPL, Denmark)
    • Valentina Ilic (TUS, Serbia, non-EU/EFTA seat)

The new leadership has pledged to uphold ETUCE's commitment to inclusive public education, professional autonomy, and solidarity across the European teaching community.

Adopted Resolutions: A Commitment to Public Education and Professional Autonomy

The conference saw rigorous debate and the adoption of several important resolutions that will shape the agenda for the coming years:

  1. Main Conference Resolution: "Fighting for the Future of Public Education in a Social Europe" was presented by outgoing President Larry Flanagan. The resolution emphasizes education as a public good and human right, urging unions to fight for social justice, equitable funding, and improvements in teachers' working conditions. It also highlights the ongoing EI campaign 'Go Public!' which aims to reinforce the status of teachers across Europe. ETUCE Vice-President Odile Cordelier called this resolution a "roadmap for the two-day conference," urging stronger social dialogue to protect public education.
  2. Addressing the Teacher Shortage: The global teacher shortage was a prominent topic. The resolution highlighted the need for improved salaries, professional autonomy, and working conditions to attract and retain teachers. Assian Nimaga (NEU, UK) pointed out, "We need attractive conditions and pay to solve the issue of teacher shortage. Mentoring, training, and fair salaries are key." Julien Farges from France reiterated the importance of implementing UNESCO recommendations to address these challenges.
  3. Policy on Artificial Intelligence in Education: A new policy paper on AI's impact on education was moved by Trudy Kerperien, highlighting both opportunities and risks posed by AI technologies. Odile Cordelier seconded the resolution, emphasizing the importance of respecting professional autonomy and ensuring that AI is used responsibly in education. Niels Jørgen Jensen (DLF, Denmark) stressed the need for teachers to have a say in how AI is integrated into their work environments, calling for strong union involvement in these decisions.
  4. Resisting Right-Wing Populism: Recognizing the rise of extremism across Europe, this resolution emphasized the role of education in promoting democracy and tolerance. Lucy Coleman (NEU, UK) stated, "We must celebrate diversity and counter the politics of hate," while Martina Borgendale (GEW, Germany) called for enhanced political and citizenship education to counter right-wing influence.
  5. ETUCE Work Programme 2025-2028: The new work programme was presented, focusing on building collective capacity, strengthening collective bargaining, and advocating for justice and democracy. Anna Olskog (STU, Sweden) noted that the programme would help ETUCE effectively influence EU policy on education while Katarina Murto (OAJ, Finland) emphasized the importance of aligning these strategies with financial realities.

Quotes from Key Leaders

The conference featured keynote speeches that inspired the delegates and reaffirmed ETUCE's role in defending public education:

  • Mugwena Maluleke, President of Education International (EI), expressed his unwavering solidarity with the European education trade union movement, urging all to work collectively to ensure equitable access to education and fair teacher compensation. He stressed, "Educators must stand together for public education, the dignity of teachers, and a hopeful future where knowledge prevails over ignorance."
  • Jarkko Eloranta, ETUC Vice-President, highlighted the transformative power of education in building equitable societies and warned against the dangers of privatization. He stated, "Education must remain a public good. We need collective action to protect it and ensure democracy."
  • Odile Cordelier, ETUCE Vice-President, emphasized the role of teachers in defending democracy and social justice: "Education is at the heart of democracy, and teachers are its guardians. We must equip them with the right tools and respect to ensure they can fulfill their mission in a challenging world."
  • Jelmer Evers, the incoming ETUCE European Director, spoke of the challenges faced by schools due to "democratic backsliding." He emphasized the union's strength stemming from classrooms and the need to link local efforts to national and international levels, thus reinforcing solidarity.

The Spirit of the Conference: A Sense of Renewed Unity and Determination

Being present at the ETUCE 2024 Conference in Budva was more than witnessing debates and elections; it was an experience imbued with a sense of hope, determination, and collective strength. Delegates from across Europe came together, not just to vote and discuss, but to reconnect after years apart. There was a palpable energy in the room—one of resilience and shared purpose. Despite the challenges of the past years, including the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and rising political extremism, the atmosphere was one of optimism and an unwavering belief in the power of education.

Larry Flanagan, the outgoing ETUCE President, set the tone early on with his passionate call for solidarity, emphasizing that education trade unions have always been, and must continue to be, the defenders of human values in society. His speech was followed by contributions that reinforced a sense of urgency in addressing the teacher shortage and resisting privatization pressures, yet there was also a strong focus on building a hopeful and sustainable future for education in Europe.

Delegates openly discussed the hardships faced in their countries but also shared success stories, inspiring others. The sense of camaraderie was evident as attendees supported each other during debates, offered standing ovations for the newly elected leaders, and exchanged experiences over informal gatherings. The musical performances from Montenegrin artists added a cultural richness that reminded everyone of the diversity within unity—a central theme for this conference.

This year's conference was not just about the policies or resolutions adopted; it was about rekindling the spirit of unity and the belief that through collective action, teachers across Europe can bring about meaningful change. It was clear that everyone left Budva feeling more connected, more determined, and ready to face the challenges ahead together.

Looking Forward: United in Advocacy

The 2024 Budva Conference marked a critical point for ETUCE as it embraced new leadership, reaffirmed its mission, and adopted strategies to counter threats to public education. As Europe continues to face challenges such as austerity, political extremism, and teacher shortages, the union stands ready to advocate fiercely for its members and the teaching profession at large.

Outgoing ETUCE President Larry Flanagan expressed his gratitude to Education International and ETUCE members for their support during challenging times, encouraging the education community to stay strong and united in the face of adversity.