The Council of the European Union has emphasized the need for skills and competences to reflect a changing society, in particular technological developments.

According to the conclusions on competences supporting lifelong learning and the "new skills for new jobs" initiative, a series of conclusions have been reached to this end in recent years.

The report was released at the 3013th meeting of the Education, Youth and Culture Council in Brussels and states: "Acquiring and further developing competences are crucial to improving employment prospects and contribute to personal fulfilment, social inclusion and active citizenship."

In November 2007, the council reached a resolution on equipping people for employment in the growing knowledge society under its "new skills for new jobs" plans.

In its latest conclusions, it notes the current economic crisis had highlighted the importance of training, increased and lifelong mobility within the region, particularly for young people.

Rapid developments in technology and innovation are highlighted as priorities in terms of training and skills, as are key labor market competences.

The Council of the European Union is headed by president Herman Van Rompuy and is in charge of the general political direction and priorities of the EU.

Posted by Alex Donnell