The meetings offer the opportunity for members to share best national practices and discuss possible improvements in the education sphere. The education sector employs 11% of European workers, workers who are a key element of society’s development. The role of teachers, trainers and researchers has rapidly evolved over the years, while education budgets have tended to be reduced. CESI supports high-level initial training for teachers and the possibility to pursue life-long learning (including through mobility). Recognising the role and competences of teachers is crucial to ensuring high quality teaching in Europe. Education and training not only sustains economic development but also contributes to building a culturally open society through active and engaged citizens. CESI rejects a narrow-minded, purely utilitarian view of education. In 2026, the Expert Commission will focus on topics including advocacy on:
- a new EU Teachers Agenda
- European school alliances and a Basic Skills Support Initiative of the European Commission
- greening education: Upgrading school infrastructure to heatwaves/climate change, deploying digital infrastructure to minimise the use of natural resources, integrating environmental protection in education curricula
- more civic education on the EU/democracy/rule of law/media literacy and a new EU quality alliance on learning materials to ensure ethical standards
- the EU 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills, including on impacts of AI in education
- the implementation of the new EU Action Plan on Basic Skills and STEM Education Strategic Plan
- the implementation of the new EU Roadmap on the future of digital education and training and a review of the Digital Education ActionPlan
CESI voices the need for improved working conditions and an open education system through engagement in the European Education social dialogue committee.
