Education
European Year of Creativity and Innovation
The European Commission has received much praise for putting innovation and creativity at the centre of attention in 2009, but it remains to be seen whether the special year can go beyond mere symbolism and deliver concrete results at a time when Europe is engulfed in a global economic recession.
Financial education
Schoolchildren could start receiving courses on how to use a bank account or buy and sell shares on the stock exchange as part of EU efforts to educate citizens and prevent possible future financial crises.
Language use in the EU
Promoting a multilingual economy, giving citizens access to European Union information in their own languages and encouraging linguistic diversity through language learning: these are the principles underpinning the Commission's multilingualism policy.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology
The Commission proposes to establish a European Institute of Technology (EIT), on the model of the famous MIT based in the US, to link the three aspects of the 'knowledge triangle' - research, education and innovation. The aim is to speed up knowledge-transfer to boost innovation. But the proposal has run into criticism, forcing the Commission to water down its ambitions.e-Skills
In a joint effort, industry and the EU seek to make as many EU residents as possible computer-literate. They profit professionally and in their private lives, and the potential benefits for the economy are huge.Communicating science
There is a general lack of understanding of how advances in science and technology affect our lives. Against this background, controversial or sensational reporting on food safety, GMOs, bird flu, global warming or, for example, stem cell research can leave citizens confused and frightened and science misunderstood. This is why scientists are increasingly asked to communicate their work to a wider audience and science communicators and the media to act as the responsible bridge between the scientists and society.
ERA – European Research Area
The creation of a European Research Area (ERA) is about creating a genuine European 'internal market' for research to increase pan-European co-operation and co-ordination of national research activities.Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is, for the EU, "the guiding principle for the development of education and training policy". While promoting social inclusion and personal fulfilment, lifelong learning develops people's employability and adaptability, and is therefore a core element of the Jobs and Growth strategy.
Bologna Process
The Bologna Process aims to establish a European Area of Higher Education by 2010. The objectives include higher education reform and the elimination of remaining barriers to the mobility of students and teachers.