Will enlargement change European education policies?
Enlargement is intensifying the challenges of international competition in the domain of education where the globalisation process is progressing rapidly. Protectionist attitudes in order to defend national or regional diversities are not sufficient. Europe must find ways to transform its cultural diversity from an obstacle into an asset.
In your view, what will be the place of education in the future EU Constitution?
The EU Constitution has to recognise the key role of education for promoting Europe's international position and social cohesion in the spirit of the Lisbon summit. More so, European integration is essentially an educational project. Sharing cultural diversity should be presented in a positive way. The previous treaties are too restrictive in this domain.
Education Ministers have drafted a ten years work-programme to reform European education and training systems. What concrete achievements do you expect from it? Are you confident in its implementation?
The essential aim of EU education policies is not harmonisation or standardisation in a mechanical way but greater transparency of the different national systems by establishing a common framework of references such as adapting to a BA/MA structure in higher education. As at all levels priority has to be given to decentralisation and specific local forms of excellence, national European education systems will be much more diversified than in the past. This opens the way for new forms of European and international co-operation.
Should people pay for education or should the state bear that burden? Will have GATS turn education into a commodity in ten years' time?
The acceptance for paying for education is developing rapidly but it should be compensated by generous systems of individual scholarships and loans in order to avoid social exclusion for financial reasons. Education is too important for cultural and social cohesion in order to be considered as a simple commodity in the GATS way.
In your view, should the European institutions be given a bigger say on education policies? Is the open method of coordination the best approach?
European institutions should stimulate but not try to govern education policies and contents. More capacities for EU initiatives and financing should be developed. Implementation should be realised not only at national or regional but at diversified local levels. The open method of coordination is an excellent tool for progressing in full respect of cultural diversity.
- Commission:« The challenges of shaping Education and Cultural policies for the Enlarged Europe »(Speech, Viviane Reding, Bruges, 20 November 2002)
- Franco-German Institute:Auf dem Weg zu einer europäischen Wissensgesellschaft, Perspektiven deutscher und französischer Bidlungspolitik(Robert Picht)
