Skills for Europe

Education and Skills Secretary Ruth Kelly has called on her fellow EU education ministers to join her in the challenge to increase investment in skills for the 21st Century.

She told an Informal meeting of Education Ministers being held in London that it is time for them to take centre stage in the pursuing the Lisbon Agenda to provide a stable foundation of increased employment and make Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world.

Mrs. Kelly , who chaired the meeting, told European Ministers that she believed education and skills could not only drive up economic performance but that they can have a positive impact on nations' societies and the lives of their citizens.

Mrs Kelly said:

"I hope to use our Presidency of the EU to highlight how education and skills can lever up economic performance. We must refocus education on making an impact on our economies but, just as importantly, on our societies and the lives of our citizens.

"At the start of the Presidency, I am delighted to be hosting a meeting in London at which we will discuss how skills development is progressing in each of our countries. I look forward to an honest and open discussion about what works - and what doesn't work - in our national contexts.

"We all aspire to achieve the Lisbon goal of becoming the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world with sustainable growth providing the foundation for more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. Now is the time for us as education and skills Ministers to take centre stage as we seek to achieve that aim. And, by working with our Austrian and Finnish colleagues, who take over the EU Presidency in 2006, I am sure we will succeed."

Mrs Kelly praised the work of the Commissioner and his team in working with the department and their efforts to develop and consult on the European Qualifications Framework. She said:

"European Commissioner Jan Figel' and his team have worked closely with my department to provide a sound basis for increased collaboration between Member States in this important area. We must make good progress if we are to secure our respective trading positions in an increasingly globalised economy.

Commissioner Figel' said:

"By 2010, nearly half of new jobs in the EU will need higher education qualifications and only 15% basic schooling: transparency, mutual trust and cooperation between Member States in this area are therefore crucial in order to promote qualifications and competences throughout Europe in a clear and coherent manner."

Mrs Kelly concluded:

"We welcome the European Commission's initiative to consult widely on a European Qualifications Framework to facilitate the mobility of European citizens and address skill gaps in many parts of the EU."
 

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