Council reaches partial agreement on lifelong learning package 

EU education ministers agreed on 15 November to the content of the Commission’s proposed lifelong learning programme 2007-13. Among other things, UK Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said that it would promote further exchanges between schools and universities as well as contribute to economic growth and productivity in the European Union.

In a first reading vote on 25 October, the European Parliament called for 14.377bn euros for the programme where the Commission proposes 13.62bn euros. Ministers are not expected to return to discussions about the financial aspects of the programme before the financial perspective has been agreed. As part of the education and training work programme 2010 (see 14 November 2005 for latest EurActiv story on this), they called for the Commission to set up a cluster of those member states wishing to develop peer-learning activities on sectoral skills.

Erasmus is a key success story for the EU, providing students with some financial support to carry out studies in other countries. During the press conference after the Council meeting, EU Education Commissioner Jan Figel pointed to the success of Erasmus as real EU added value, "noting that Spain and France had become the most popular destinations for Erasmus students".

Ministers also agreed to the content of the Commission's youth in action programme. They suggested a 'youthpass' as one way to encourage the recognition of non-formal and informal learning for young people and those active in youth work and youth organisations. They say the Commission and member states should consider including it in the Europass.