Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council to convene on 11–12 May
The EU ministers responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels on 11–12 May. Education ministers are expected to adopt a general approach on the next Erasmus+ programme and outline the role of artificial intelligence in education. Other items on the agenda include the EU Youth Dialogue, the new AgoraEU programme, and mental health in sport.
Finland will be represented by Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz and Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala. Youth and education matters will be addressed on Monday 11 May and cultural and sports matters on Tuesday 12 May.
Education
Education ministers will discuss how to ensure the acquisition of basic skills in a rapidly changing context. In Finland’s view, investing in basic skills is key to the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems and to the EU’s competitiveness.
The Council is also expected to adopt a partial general approach on the Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028–2034. In addition, the conclusions on teachers in the era of artificial intelligence will be approved. Teachers are seen as playing a decisive role in ensuring that the introduction of AI is pedagogically sound.
Youth
In youth matters, ministers will discuss the youth-friendliness of EU policies. Finland stresses the participation of young people and a stronger emphasis on the youth dimension across policy sectors, especially from the perspective of disadvantaged young people. The Council is expected to approve resolutions on the revision of the EU Youth Strategy Work Plan and on the outcomes of the 11th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue.
Culture
Ministers will exchange views on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2027–2030. In this regard, Finland emphasises measures that foster the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors and promote the EU's resilience and sustainable growth.
The Council is also expected to agree a partial general approach on the proposed regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme. The new programme would bring together support for culture, the audiovisual sector, news media and civil society. According to the proposal, the programme would comprise three strands reflecting the current programme structures: 1) Creative Europe – Culture (cultural and creative sectors), 2) MEDIA+ (audiovisual sector and news media) and 3) CERV+ (democracy, citizens, equality, rights and values).
Sport
With regard to sport matters, ministers will discuss mental health in sport. Finland supports a holistic approach to mental health and to addressing mental health across policies. It takes a favourable view of the Commission’s goal of placing mental health alongside physical health as part of overall wellbeing. The Council is also expected to approve the conclusions on sport tourism as a contributor to sustainability.
Meeting materials are available on the official website of the Council of the EU. The public sessions of the meetings can be watched live on the Council of Ministers’ website.
Inquiries:
- Youth: Eija Kauniskangas, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 50 567 2772
- Education: Päivi Bosquet, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 375
- Culture: Iina Berden, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 069
- Sport: Juha-Pekka Suomi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 330 187