In a changing world, we want the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. These three priorities reinforce the targets set in the European Agenda 2020 and promise high levels of employment and productivity as well as social cohesion.

Within this framework, education and training are essential to the development and growth of the European economy and will play a crucial role in the collective pursuit of the Europe 2020 targets. Increased investment in human capital and the modernization of education and training systems will help the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.

Much of this investment will be made at national level. However, the EU works to promote education and training in a wide variety of ways. Programmes promoting transnational learning mobility – such as the ERASMUS or the COMENIUS – have proven to be a great success, helping people to acquire new skills essential for the jobs of tomorrow. Increased mobility and cross-border spread of ideas and best practices also contribute to the dissemination of reform trends in the field of education and training adopted by many European countries recently.

It follows that Cyprus accession to EU has provided educators at all levels of our educational system with opportunities to study and train in other EU countries broadening their horizons, adding to their skills and knowledge and giving them an international focus which is crucial to Cyprus economic success. Today, more than ever, it is imperative to provide education and training in the framework of ‘lifelong learning’ developing knowledge, attitudes and skills so as to become competitive in the current environment.