European Parliament backs new alliances linking classrooms across Europe
The European Parliament has today adopted a resolution initiated by Renew Europe’s Hristo Petrov (We Continue the Change/Bulgaria) setting out its vision for European Schools Alliances.
With the Commission expected to present its plans later this year, Parliament is calling for the alliances to create lasting cooperation between schools and ensure that European opportunities reach pupils and teachers in every region.
“European cooperation should begin long before university. These alliances can make Europe something children experience in their everyday lives, connecting classrooms across borders and giving teachers lasting networks through which to share successful ideas and teaching methods.”
MEP Hristo Petrov, Vice-Chair of the Committee on culture and education
Building on Erasmus+, Parliament wants the alliances to allow pupils to work with classes in other countries and teachers to visit partner schools, share lesson plans and test new ways of teaching. The final text delivers on Renew Europe priorities for skills, mobility and civic participation, including media literacy, critical thinking, and citizenship education.
Renew Europe also secured targeted support for rural, remote and disadvantaged schools, simpler procedures and access for schools with fewer resources or less experience of EU programmes. Vocational, arts and sports schools should also be able to participate.
“Europe’s competitiveness begins in its classrooms. When schools and teachers share what works across borders, successful ideas travel faster and more young people gain the skills they need for a changing labour market. Opening these alliances to schools in every region will allow Europe to draw on talent from across the continent.”
MEP Hristo Petrov, Vice-Chair of the Committee on culture and education
