Nicosia: Cyprus' EU Presidency is guided by the conviction that education is both a foundation and a catalyst for a resilient, cohesive, competitive and innovative Europe, fully aligned with the European Education Area and broader European policies, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Athena Michaelidou said. Michaelidou on Tuesday presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the fields of Education, Youth and Sport.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Cyprus Presidency seeks to pursue a balanced agenda, she said. She noted that, in the field of Education, the Cyprus EU Presidency will advance negotiations on the Erasmus+ Regulation within the framework of discussions on the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, following the progress achieved during the Danish Presidency. Ensuring that Erasmus+ becomes more inclusive and accessible is a priority, she added.
She also said that the Cyprus EU Presidency was focusing on enhancing the status and attractiveness of the teaching profession through appealing career pathways, continuous professional development and evaluation, as well as supportive working conditions. 'Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening teachers institutionally and professionally, so that they can harness Artificial Intelligence as a tool for pedagogical quality rather than perceive it as a threat,' Michaelidou noted. She added that Cyprus' Presidency will highlight the importance of a holistic, learner-centred approach to skills, aligned with the vision of the European Education Area and the Union of Skills.
In addition, the Presidency will promote a modern and attractive Vocational Education and Training sector that responds to labour market needs and supports students' employability. 'Special attention will be given to the integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence,' she added.
Michaelidou further said that the Cyprus Presidency will strengthen cooperation in Higher Education by promoting discussions on mobility, international partnerships and the next steps towards a possible common European degree. She also noted that the Erasmus+ Regulation will be subject to negotiations during the Cyprus Presidency, within the framework of the new Multiannual Financial Framework, with the aim of reaching a partial general approach.
'Teachers are high on the agenda of our Presidency. As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, renewed focus is required on supporting teachers in adapting to new digital realities,' the Minister said. In this context, she added, 'the Council Conclusions of the Cyprus Presidency will focus on teachers in the age of Artificial Intelligence.' These will constitute the main deliverables at the Education Council, which will take place on May 11, 2026.
Michaelidou said that, during the policy debate, Ministers of Education will be invited to exchange views on key skills and on ways to support the vision of an inclusive, high-quality and future-oriented European Education Area.
Referring to the Informal Meeting of Education Ministers, which will take place on January 29-30 in Nicosia, Michaelidou said that discussions will focus on investing in teachers, their professional development, the attractiveness of the profession and retention, as well as the contribution of European cooperation in education and training, in alignment with the European Education Area and the European Semester.
The Minister announced that the Cyprus Presidency has organised a 'rich' calendar of education-related events to support its strategic priorities. On Youth, the Minister said, 'our priorities recognise the role of the younger generation in shaping the future of the European Union', adding that they were fully aligned with the EU Youth Strategy, focusing on its objectives of engaging, connecting and empowering young people.
The Minister also said that the agenda was fully aligned with the broader European sports framework. Focus will be on strengthening the European dimension in sport, promoting integrity and shared values, and actively encouraging physical activity across the continent and beyond, she said.