EDUCATION: COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FLAGS UP NEW TARGETS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING.

The Recommendation on key competences for education, training and lifelong learning follows on from the "Education and Training 2010" work programme. The Commission defines competences as a blend of "knowledge, aptitudes and attitudes", whereby "key competences" are those which foster personal development, social inclusion, active citizenship and employment. The basic idea is to move beyond traditional, albeit still relevant, "basic skills" targets, such as adequate levels of numeracy and literacy.

The eight key competences, based on conclusions drawn by a high-level working group of experts, are: communication in the mother tongue; communication in foreign languages; basic competences in mathematics, science and technology; digital competence; learning to learn; interpersonal, intercultural, social and civic competence; entrepreneurship; and cultural expression.

The Recommendation underscores that ensuring and monitoring the acquisition of key competences by all involves both appropriate curriculum design for those at school or university, as well as the provision and effective use of lifelong learning opportunities for adults, paying special attention to disadvantaged groups. Member states are urged to take appropriate measures and create appropriate educational infrastructures to this end.

Meanwhile, the Commission will continue to do its part to promote national reforms via the "Education and Training 2010" work programme and its other ongoing educational initiatives.

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The March 2000 European Council in Lisbon...