Minister R. Popovienė attended an informal meeting of EU Ministers of Education in Cyprus

On 29-30 January, the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Raminta Popovienė, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Education in Cyprus.

The meeting discussed the strengthening of the teaching profession, with main focus on teacher education, professional development, digital and AI competences.

Minister R. Popovienė stressed the importance of not only attracting new teachers, but also retaining existing teachers in schools. In Lithuania, there are clear directions for this: strengthening support for students of pedagogy and teachers entering the profession, expanding the network of mentors, increasing flexibility in work organisation, and reducing the administrative burden on teachers. Day-to-day support in schools is also crucial, from psychological support to dealing with difficult situations in classrooms.

To improve teachers’ AI and digital competences, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has developed national guidelines for the use of AI in general education schools, to ensure that technology is used responsibly and meaningfully.

On the second day of the meeting, EU Ministers of Education discussed the priorities of EU Member States for investing in education and how investment is aligned with national policies for fostering competitiveness.

According to Minister R. Popovienė, teachers are the main pillar of the education system. Lithuania aims that the base amount of official salary (remuneration) of teachers stands at 170% by 2028. It also seeks to ensure that the state budget allocations for salaries and wages of teachers, pupil support specialists, and managing staff of education institutions grow annually at a rate of at least 5% faster than the projected growth in the national average salary for the following year.

With the promotion of lifelong learning and matching skills to the rapidly changing labour market, a labour market-oriented vocational education and training system is further developed, the adult education platform Kursuok is improved, and a microcredentials system is introduced.

Last updated: 19-02-2026

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