| EU Ministers gather in Brussels for Education, Youth and Culture Council on 27 and 28 May. It is the first time that they have a meeting with 25 State Members. |
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european institute of cultural routes |
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| Michel Thomas-Penette |
| 30 May 2004 |
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The Council will start on Thursday with a session on Culture chaired by the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. John O' Donoghue. The Ministers are expected to designate Luxembourg and Sibiu (Romania) as European Capitals of Culture for 2007, as well as Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Stavanger (Norway) for 2008. In addition, the Council will adopt a decision to enable the participation of the EU's ten new Member States in the European Capitals of Culture initiative.
Later on Thursday, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr. Dermot Ahern, will chair a debate on the future of European audiovisual policy and a review of the Television without Frontiers Directive.
On Friday morning the focus of the Council turns to Education when it is expected that political agreement will be reached on a decision to create a Europe-wide portfolio for qualifications and competencies (Europass). This session will be chaired by Minister for Education and Science, Mr Noel Dempsey. The Council will also adopt a resolution on guidance throughout life as well as conclusions on quality assurance in vocational education and training and on validation of nonformal learning.
Minister of State, Ms. Síle de Valera will chair the final session of the Council on Youth. The Ministers will adopt a resolution on the social integration of young people and a declaration on racism and intolerance. The Ministers will exchange views on a new youth programme, on proposed common objectives for voluntary activities among young people, and for a greater understanding and knowledge of youth.
Following the recommendation of the Commission and considering the positive report of the independant jury on the candidature of «Luxembourg et Grande Région, Capitale européenne de la Culture 2007» as well as Sibiu (Romania), the Ministers gave unanimously a positive for Luxembourg and Sibiu as European Capitals for Culture 2007. They also decided on Liverpool and Stavanger (Norway) for year 2008.
A political agreement has also been found on this manifestation for the future 2005-2019, that enables the integration - from 2009 onwards - of the new Member-States in the programme.
Sibiu. Great Place. |
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