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"Education could eliminate the consequences of the economic crisis, reducing the long-term impact of the crisis on growth and help to achieve a more robust growth after it; therefore it makes sense to increase investment in education at a time of recession" emphasised Cypriot Nobel laureate Professor of Economics, Christopher Pissarides, during the informal meeting of Ministers of Education held in Nicosia on 4 and 5 October. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture at the International Conference Centre 'Filoxenia' in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The education and training policies of the European Union and the relationship they may have with economic development, as well as the growing problem of illiteracy, were the most important issues discussed during the meeting of EU Education Ministers. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Education and Culture of Cyprus Mr. George Demosthenous and was attended by the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou.
"I am confident that through the interesting and productive discussions that we have made we now have a much more accurate picture of what to do," said Mr. Demosthenous.
"As the Cyprus Presidency, we are now ready to act. You may rest assured that we will use all the views and suggestions expressed in the preparation of the draft Council conclusions to be presented to the November Council in Brussels," the Minister highlighted, indicating the direct way of transition from the findings to the required action.
The pathway from identification to action
The main goal of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to achieve common goals committed to fundamental values for a better Europe for future generations.
In particular, in the fields of education and training, the Cyprus Presidency aims, through the common concerns, contribution and cooperation of all Member States, to promote European policies beneficial to Europe and its citizens. These areas are important for the economic development, social cohesion and welfare of the citizens of the EU, especially during these difficult economic conditions.
This was also at the centre of the work of the Informal Ministerial Meeting, which was mostly concerned with two important issues in the field of education:
- first, the potential role of education in the economic development of countries and the welfare of every citizen and
- second, the problem of illiteracy plaguing the Member States of the European Union.
The Cypriot Nobel Prize winning economist, Mr. Christopher Pissarides, and expert of the High Level Group on Literacy, Mr. George Tsiakalos, also attended the meeting, presenting their views, experiences and findings on the two main themes on the agenda.
Costas Yennaris
Email: cyennaris@cy2012eu.gov.cy
Mobile: +357 99400234
Niki Papadopoulou-Papa
Ministry of Education & Culture
Email: npapa@moec.gov.cy
Telephone: +357 22800697
Costas Ierides
Ministry of Education & Culture
Email: cierides@moec.gov.cy
Telephone: +357 22800954
Watch the press conference here
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