Nicosia: The first day of the informal meeting of EU Education Ministers, held at the Philoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, concentrated on the critical need to invest in teaching professionals.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Athena Michaelidou emphasized that the Cyprus Presidency aligns its educational priorities with the broader European agenda, aiming to prepare citizens for future challenges. Highlighting the presidency's commitment, Michaelidou discussed promoting consultations on the new Erasmus+ regulation and ensuring its inclusivity and accessibility.
Michaelidou outlined the presidency's focus on a learner-centred approach to skills, promoting vocational education and training responsive to labor market needs, and integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. She underscored the importance of enhancing the teaching profession through improved career paths, continuous professional development, and supportive working conditions.
The meeting also addressed the institutional and professional protection of teachers, enabling them to use artificial intelligence as a pedagogical tool. Discussions on investing in teachers' professional development and retention will occur in thematic working groups to exchange views and political approaches.
On the second day, a roundtable discussion at the Ministerial level will focus on the European cooperation in education and training, aligning with the European Education Area and the Single European Area 2030 objectives.
Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director General of DG EAC at the European Commission, highlighted the need for education to build resilience and competitiveness in the face of geopolitical challenges. She noted that education plays a vital role in shielding democracies from interference and emphasized the importance of teacher training and addressing shortages in specific subjects.
Hansen pointed out the aging teaching workforce in the EU, with many teachers nearing retirement, particularly in vocational education and training sectors. She stressed the importance of making teaching an attractive career and preparing educators for the era of artificial intelligence.
The EU's future education agenda includes initiatives like the Basic Skills Support Scheme, European School Alliance, digital education roadmap, EU VET Strategy, and Erasmus+. Hansen emphasized collaboration between European and national levels, education stakeholders, and businesses to achieve these goals.
Professor Michalinos Zembylas from the Open University of Cyprus stressed the need to empower teachers to foster critical skills among students. He emphasized recognizing teaching as complex work and called for creating conditions that make the profession attractive and sustainable.
In conclusion, Athena Michaelidou presented the Desk Calendar of the Cyprus Presidency 2026 and the art exhibition "Europe in Cyprus," showcasing student contributions from primary and secondary education.