Minister Popovienė discussed the need to strengthen future skills and presented Lithuania’s education priorities to the EC Vice-President at the EU Education Council

On 11 May, Minister of Education, Science and Sport Raminta Popovienė attended the EU Education Council in Brussels, Belgium. During the meeting, EU Ministers responsible for education discussed how national education and training strategies could be better tailored to provide learners with the skills they need for tomorrow’s market.

In presenting Lithuania’s best practices, Minister Popovienė first stressed the importance of inclusion in education, so that everyone, regardless of their place of residence, social, cultural or individual situation, can acquire basic skills and competences.

R. Popovienė also stressed the importance of lifelong learning, as well as shorter and more flexible learning formats, which allow those who have previously dropped out of education to return to learning and fill in the gaps.

At the EU Education Council, Ministers also agreed on the regulation of the new Erasmus+ programme. The programme proposed by the European Commission for the period 2028-2034, merging Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, could be the EU’s main instrument for learning mobility, lifelong learning, skills development and the strengthening of Europe’s education area. The programme places particular emphasis on inclusion, simplification of procedures and greater involvement of participants with fewer opportunities.

At the meeting, education ministers also approved the EU Council conclusions on teachers in the AI era. The conclusions underline the key role of teachers in the context of AI and their importance in building quality, inclusive and ready-for-future education systems. The Council of the EU is encouraging Member States and the European Commission to invest in teachers’ AI literacy, professional development and reliable technological solutions based on European values.

Lithuanian education priorities presented to the Vice-President of the European Commission

During her visit to Brussels, Minister Popovienė met Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, who is responsible for social rights and skills, quality jobs and preparedness. The Minister presented to the Vice-President and her Cabinet the Lithuanian education priorities for the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January 2027.

Last updated: 20-05-2026

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