EU finance and education ministers to hold their first joint policy debate
Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the first to arrange a joint policy debate for the finance and education ministers of EU member states. The debate will take place on 8 November 2019 in Brussels. The ministers will discuss the role of education and training in promoting wellbeing and driving sustainable growth. Finland will be represented by Minister of Finance Mika Lintilä and Minister of Education Li Andersson.
The EU’s finance and education ministers will discuss the importance and benefits of education, training and human capital, approaching these topics from the perspectives of productivity, sustainable economic growth and the building of a more equal society.
The themes of the debate will include:
- What kind of policy measures would best promote efficiency, effectiveness and equality in education and training?
- How can we achieve high-quality learning outcomes, a high level of education and equality in education?
- What role would EU-level cooperation play in further strengthening the high quality of education and training in the future?
“More than ever before, education and training should be seen as an investment rather than an expense. High-quality education and training is one of the most effective ways of improving wellbeing and building a more equal society. Investment in education and training is a vital strategic choice for Europe,” says Minister Andersson.
“The finance ministers will focus on sustainable economic growth, productivity and investment. High-quality education and training and lifelong learning will provide solutions to these EU-wide challenges,” says Minister Lintilä.
The joint policy debate will be held as part of the official programme of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The ministers will debate the topics, but there will be no decision-making at the meeting.
The joint policy debate will also hear presentations from the Swedish and Portuguese finance ministers and the Dutch and Slovenian education ministers.
Inquiries:
Martti Salmi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 400 510 304, martti.salmi(at)vm.fi
Minna Polvinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 2953 30262, minna.polvinen(at)minedu.fi