10-03-2004: Reforming education systems to successfully implement the Lisbon strategy

In an Opinion dated 10 March 2004 on the state of implementation of the Lisbon strategy, the CESI gives a critical analysis of the reforms thus far in the area of education and training. In view of the fact that, at the current pace of reforms, the objectives set in Lisbon cannot be achieved, the CESI asks that the Commission and the Member States review the objectives and their implementation, without at the same time sacrificing the quality of the findings.
To quote the Secretary General of the CESI, Helmut Müllers, "It would be desirable if both more public and private funds were to be made available." In this connection, the CESI asks that the Member States fall back on the European Special Funds as necessary. Mr Müllers adds that "It is vitally important that the available funds are employed as efficiently as possible." To stimulate the Lisbon process in the area of education, the CESI stresses the necessity of more language teaching. The independent trade unions also welcome the Commission’s efforts to make the teaching profession more attractive by the year 2010, in view of the quantum shift that is taking place. To encourage lifelong learning, the CESI also recommends greater use of communication technologies.  The opinion can be downloaded from the "Documents" section.