09/03/2023 20:06 | Article Conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition On 7 March, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council gathered in Brussels. Education ministers approved conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition and held a policy debate on high-quality teachers as the cornerstone of a successful European Education Area.

Article

9 March 202320:06
Conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition


Minister for Schools, Lotta Edholm.© European Union


On 7 March, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council gathered in Brussels. Education ministers approved conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition and held a policy debate on high-quality teachers as the cornerstone of a successful European Education Area.


The conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition relate to the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023, when EU heads of state and government called for bolder and more ambitious actions to further develop the skills required for the green and digital transitions, through education, training, upskilling and reskilling.

In its conclusions, the Council invites the Member States to engage education and training providers, research organisations, employers, social partners and other relevant stakeholders to jointly identify reskilling and upskilling needs for the green transition, including public-private cooperation.

I am very glad that today we have agreed on this important text that will help us prepare learners in the EU to address challenges due to the green transition. There is a huge need for specific skills and competences throughout the EU to advance the green transitionLotta Edholm, Minister for Schools


Discussion about teacher shortages

The ministers discussed the issue of teacher shortages and, in particular, the added value for enhanced European cooperation and EU-level actions of attracting, upskilling and retaining teachers and trainers. Member States across the EU are facing teacher shortages which represent a serious risk to the quality and equity of education. The cause of these shortages includes the ageing teacher workforce – almost 40 per cent of teachers are over 50 years old – and perceptions of the profession as unattractive.

Many delegations highlighted the timeliness of the debate, in view of the issue’s pertinence for the Member States. Qualified and well-trained teachers are at the heart of a well-functioning education system and key to achieving the aims of the European Education Area (EEA). The Council will revert to the subject at its meeting in May, in the context of its planned conclusions on the EEA.

Main results – Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Education), 7 March 2023