- Published : 01.12.2023.
State Secretary Ivica Šušak participated in the meeting of the Council of the European Union for education ministers in Brussels on 23 November 2023
State Secretary Ivica Šušak participated in the meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS) on Thursday, 23 November 2023, in Brussels.
At the meeting the Council conclusions on the contribution of education and training to strengthening common European values and democratic citizenship were adopted. In the Conclusions, the member states are invited to strengthen the promotion of European values and democratic citizenship at all levels and in all types of education (formal, non-formal, informal education); to develop quality, innovative and inclusive guidelines for education, educational content, pedagogy and teaching that will be adapted to both EU context and features of each education system, and which support education institutions in creating an environment that enables learning about democratic and citizen participation through practice.In addition, the ministers adopted the Council Recommendation on the key enabling factors for successful digital education and training. The document recommends that the member states take measures focusing on the development of the following key factors: defining the strategic approach to developing digital education and skills; establishing synergies and coordination at all levels of public administration; promoting capacity building of education institutions; implementing regular impact assessment of policies and practice in the field of digital education; promoting investments in digital education which is equitable and impact-focused.
Additionally, the Council Recommendation on improving the provision of digital skills and competences in education and training was adopted. Digital skills and competences are key in most social and economic sectors, making up the foundation for social inclusion, well-being, active citizenship, employability, productivity, safety and growth. Stronger action is therefore needed to further develop the skills needed for green and digital transition through education, training, upskilling and re-skilling. Moreover, stronger efforts are needed to raise the level of fundamental and advanced digital skills.
Within the framework of policy debate, opinions were exchanged on the topic of Attracting female talent to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. State Secretary highlighted that it is necessary to combat stereotypical divisions into traditionally male or female jobs as well as motivate female and male students to choose their future professional pathways and education programmes according to their own interests and capabilities, which is one of the goals of the National Plan for Gender Equality for the period until 2027. He emphasized the importance of ensuring funds for education in the STEM field, which is why the Republic of Croatia has set up a special category for students studying in STEM fields within the state scholarship programme. This measure of direct financial support is included in the National Plan for the Development of the Education System until 2027.