European Civil Society Platform on Lifelong Learning – EUCIS-LLL
Newsletter #49-DECEMBER 2012
/// EUCIS-LLL NEWS ///
Thank you all for participating in EUCIS-LLL’s Lifelong Learning Week
The LifeLong Learning Week is now over and EUCIS-LLL wishes to deeply thank all its members for organising and attending its events as well as all participants for their presence and contribution to the discussions. Staffan Nilsson, EESC President, reminded the importance of lifelong learning and of civil society at our cocktail reception. This year’s edition took place from 26-29 November 2012 under the title: “Rethinking skills: A civil society perspective”. Find the pictures of all events as well as the presentations online!
“Erasmus for all” the European Parliament supports civil society organisations!
Last Tuesday was a milestone in the negotiations on the new funding programme 2014-2020 for education, training, youth and sport. The Parliament Culture and Education Committee amended Chairman Doris Pack’s report (see the video of the vote) and decided to rename the programme “YES Europe” (for Youth, Education and Sport). EUCIS-LLL advocacy paid off as MEPs included a more regular consultation of organisations in the management of the programme and operating grants for European organisations active in this field. EUCIS-LLL and the Coalition set up together with the European Youth Forum will keep on advocating and monitoring discussions between EU institutions so that those steps forward are secured in the final version of the text. See the Parliament’s press release for sectorial updates and EUCIS-LLL advocacy papers here.
Conclusions from European Education, Training and Youth Forum 2012 examined by Council
The Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport adopted in Brussels on 26-27 November Conclusions on Education and Training in Europe 2020, in the light of the discussions of the European Education, Training and Youth Forum of 18-19 October, supported by EUCIS-LLL. The Council also succeeded in reaching a political agreement on the latest Commission’s proposal for a Recommendation on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (September 2012). The final version (soon available) asks Member States to set up validation mechanisms by 2018 at the latest, a three-year delay compared to the Commission’s initial proposal. The Council also adopted Conclusions on Literacy inspired by the EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy report. See Council press release.
/// NEWS FROM MEMBERS AND PARTNERS ///
Silver Rose Award by SOLIDAR
“Celebrate individuals and organisations whose extraordinary struggles contribute greatly to social justice and solidarity throughout the world“: this is the objective of theSilver Rose Awards by SOLIDAR. You can fill in the nomination form until December 15th, 2012.
Submit your topic proposals for the EDEN Conference in Oslo, 12-15 June 2013
Make learning a thrilling experience for learners, including providing a sense of joy in the virtual classroom is the topic of EDEN’s 2013 Conference that will take place in Oslo, Norway, from 12 to 15 of June 2013. Latest best practice in this field will be presented together with innovative solutions as smart use of ICT tools, new methodologies for enhanced learning experience, content management systems, or solutions supported by game based learning. You can submit your proposals for paper presentations, posters, workshops, and short demonstrations that relate to the conference themes until February 5, 2013.
Petition against cuts in EU education & cultural budget
Culture Action Europe launched a petition to ask for more culture in Europe: “Culture, education and the arts, citizens’ participation, equality and freedom for all, democracy and the rule of law, balanced regional development, environmental protection and social justice are the necessary foundations on which to build a sustainable Europe and to recover from the current crisis. They are investments in our common future and must be protected from financial cuts. This is no time for horizontal cuts.”
Workshop on recognition of non-formal learning in volunteering
EDOS organises a workshop on recognition of non-formal learning in volunteering from 18-22 of March 2013 in Huissen in the Netherlands. Its expected outputs are awareness of competences that the participants develop by volunteering and knowledge on how to get external recognition for these competences.
EUCEN presents its project IMPLEMENT
IMPLEMENT is a package of on-line learning materials for professionals working in University Lifelong Learning (ULLL). It consists of 5 courses tackling topics such as recognition of prior learning and/or exploring diversity in University Lifelong Learning. The final products produced by the IMPLEMENT project are all freely available online for you to download.
Fraternite2020 Citizens’ Initiative can be signed online
The Fraternite 2020 citizens’ initiative is now online and ready to be signed. This petition asks for more funds for EU exchange programmes with the idea of giving more EU citizens the opportunity to spend time in another Member State, giving them a better chance to ‘broaden their horizons’ and develop a European identity. The petition also wishes to see a tracking of the progress made in the field of mobility through better monitoring.
/// INSTITUTIONAL NEWS ///
New Commission Communication enhances the need for all EU citizens to acquire basic skills
The European Commission released on 20 November a new Communication named “Rethinking Education”, overseeing the paths that EU action in education and training will take in the upcoming years to achieve the 2020 Education and Training Strategic Framework and better link it to the European Semester. The Communication notably emphasises the essential need to equip EU citizens with basic skills for more employment and social inclusion; the Commission intends to develop quality adult basic skills programmes and especially through workplace learning. Seven staff working documents were published along with the Communication and notably the first edition of the Education and Training Monitor, a snapshot of current skills supply and progress towards Europe 2020 targets.
No agreement reached for MFF negotiations: Erasmus for all and European Social Fund 2014-2020 in danger?
The 27 Heads of States gathered in Brussels on 22 and 23 November did not manage to reach an agreement on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020, which has been postponed to February 2013. President Van Rompuy has indeed made a proposal right before the Summit after his bilateral meetings with Heads of States. The budget line encompassing Erasmus for All has been reduced by more than 11 billion and the Cohesion policy heading by more than 30 billion by the President Cabinet. EUCIS-LLL will keep on monitoring budget negotiations, notably via the Civil Society Contact Groupbudget working group. Help us disseminate our policy briefing note and check the lettersigned by 100 personalities across Europe to defend investment in education.
Annual Growth Survey 2013: Investment in education and training needed
The Annual Growth Survey (AGS) 2013 was adopted by the European Commission last week. It sets out five priorities designed to “guide Member States through the crisis to renewed growth”. The AGS launches the European Semester for economic policy coordination. Its objective is to make sure that Member States align their budgetary and economic plans with the Stability and Growth Pact and the Europe 2020 strategy. Investment in education is strongly recommended in the new Survey to raise the performance of education and training systems, upgrade skills and achieve EU2020 targets, such as reducing early-school leaving.
RESOLUTION of the European Economic and Social Committee on “MORE EUROPE”
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted at its plenary session of 14 and 15 November 2012 a resolution that states that the EU must restore trust in a dynamic growth model and in the legitimacy of its decision-making process in light of the ongoing crises. “We must build a strong, sustainable, social and competitive Europe.” The EESC calls for “More Europe” and for “Civil society involvement in the process of framing EU policies and decisions”. Furthermore, in another press release, the EESC underlines that “the legitimacy crisis of the EU institutions can be solved only by them opening their doors to civil society, citizens and citizen organisations, thereby establishing ongoing dialogue that can bridge the existing gap.”
/// RESEARCH & INNOVATION ///
New Eurydice study calls for stronger focus on IT and entrepreneurial skills in schools
The study “Developing Key Competences at School in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy” is published in support of the European Commission’s new “Rethinking Education” strategy, It outlines the measures that Member States need to take to ensure education and training systems deliver the skills required in the modern workplace. The study is available on the Eurydice website in English together with theHighlights. The German and French translations of the study will follow.
Volonteurope report on the contribution of volunteering to the EY2012
Volonteurope has just released a publication that highlights the contribution volunteering and civic engagement make in promoting active ageing and solidarity between generations. The report includes several policy recommendations and examples of good practices, including a specific section on lifelong learning to which EUCIS-LLL contributed.
Cedefop study draws implications for human resource management and training policies
CEDEFOP’s study aims to show how investing in learning later in life can bring real benefits to companies as well as individuals. The paper covers examples from EU Member States as well as from US and Canada. An emphasis is put on the need for employers to develop “demographic literacy”, i.e. to understand how to create a learner-friendly environment for employees of all ages.
/// EU FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ///
Europeans for Peace
The Foundation “Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft” (EVZ) offers funding for projects that foster the active commitment of young people for human rights and understanding between peoples. This funding opportunity concerns international project partnerships with a school or a non-school organisation in the countries of Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe or Israel. Projects outlines can be submitted until January 1st, 2013.
UNDEF seventh round of funding CFP
UNDEF opened its annual call for proposals. Projects should “strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes”. Project proposals may be submitted online between 15 November and 31 December.
/// AGENDA ///
More events on our website!
