COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS of 22 September 1997 on the communication concerning the White Paper 'Teaching and learning towards the learning society` (97/C 303/04)

In the Council conclusions of 6 May 1996 concerning the White Paper 'Teaching and learning towards the learning society`, ministers, thanking the Commission for this new contribution to the debate in the area of education and vocational training, expressed the wish that the actions proposed in the White Paper should be examined by all bodies involved with a view to opening new perspectives for education and training in Europe and invited the Commission to present under Dutch Presidency a review of the debates on the different levels.

In accordance with these conclusions, the Commission presented to the Council a communication concerning a review of the reactions to the White Paper.

The Council takes note with interest of the communication and expresses its satisfaction with the quality and richness of the numerous opinions, comments and reactions expressed by the different bodies involved.

The Council takes note with interest that the Commission has undertaken a series of experimentations concerning the different objectives on which it will report to the Council before the end of 1998.

The Council notes that the debates have led the Commission to sharpen and to adjust certain guidelines initially provided for in the implementation of the objectives of the White Paper.

The Council underlines the major contribution of the debates on the White Paper which enabled substance to be given to the concept of a knowledge union. In order to achieve a knowledge union, a major effort is needed in the area of education and training.

In this perspective, the Council takes note of the Commission's intention to start forthwith a reflection process on the future of European cooperation in the fields of education, vocational training and youth. The Council considers that this opportunity must be taken to build on the experience of the Community action in these fields and to define the guiding principles of a new generation of Community actions.