European cooperation in vocational education and training to support the Europe 2020 strategy
The Council adopted conclusions on the priorities for European cooperation in vocational education and training for the period 2011-2020.
The conclusions set out a global vision for vocational education and training (VET) in 2020, aiming at a more attractive, relevant, career-oriented, innovative, accessible and flexible European VET system than in 2010.
They also establish four long-term strategic objectives for the period from 2011 to 2020, which reflect those adopted under the overarching "ET 2020" strategic framework, namely:
- improving the quality and efficiency of VET - enhancing its attractiveness and relevance;
- making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
- enhancing creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship;
- promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship.
The text also sets out a programme of short-term deliverables related to these priorities, for the years 2011 to 2014. The conclusions will feed into the discussions at the informal ministerial meeting specially devoted to VET on 7 December in Bruges and serve as a basis for a special communiqué to be adopted by that meeting.