On 1 July, the Belgian EU Presidency started work on its six-month presidency. Its priorities have recently been presented to the European Parliament, which include the fields of education and youth.  Under the Presidency, the Council will adopt guidelines with a view to setting up a new work programme on the education and training of professionals until 2020. Draft conclusions on this matter will be submitted to the Council.

The Presidency will also continue the work undertaken by previous Presidencies concerning the strengthening of European cooperation in the domain of school education. In line with the conclusions of the European Council, the Presidency will pay particular attention to the issues associated with early school leavers, core skills, and the role of education and training in social inclusion.

Following a presentation by the Commission of its flagship initiative, “Youth on the move”, under the Belgian Presidency, the Council will adopt the recommendation on the promotion of mobility for young people. The Belgian Presidency will also work towards modernising higher education in Europe and on the interaction between higher education, research and innovation.