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In accordance with the subsidiarity principle, higher education policies are decided at the level of the individual Member States. The role of the EU is therefore mainly a supporting and coordinating one. The main objectives of Union action in the field of higher education include encouraging mobility of students and staff, fostering mutual recognition of diplomas and periods of study, and promoting cooperation between higher education institutions.

As part of its efforts to promote mobility and intercultural understanding, the European Union (EU) has designated language learning as an important priority, and funds numerous programmes and projects in this area. Multilingualism, in the EU’s view, is an important element of Europe’s competitiveness. One of the objectives of the EU’s language policy is therefore for every EU citizen to master two other languages in addition to their mother tongue.

Youth is a national policy area, so EU-level harmonisation is not possible. The EU therefore can only play a supporting role. Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ programme about mobility for individuals encourages exchanges of young people within the EU and with third countries. Over the past few years, the European Union has strengthened its policies towards young people, as illustrated by the European Solidarity Corps initiative and the DiscoverEU project.

The publishing sector represents one of the biggest strands of the cultural sector in Europe. The book sector is certainly its most representative part and covers all activities related to edition and publishing in all fields (leisure, education, professional, news, academic, etc.). It also covers both ways of publishing, material (on paper or other material) and digital. Besides its important cultural value and role, the book sector is also an essential economic activity in the EU. In 2021, it ...

The following policy recommendations supplement the background analysis that was prepared for the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT committee) on the “European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – Background Analysis” . The Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market (European Media Freedom Act) and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (‘EMFA’) was published on 16 September 2022 and ...

The EU currently has 24 official languages, but the European linguistic landscape is much broader, including a number of regional and minority languages and those introduced by migrant populations. Respecting linguistic diversity is one of the EU's core principles, and supporting language learning has been a constant EU priority. Promoting language learning is also key to achieving a European education area by 2025, with quality education for all. To support this vision, the EU advocates that young ...

This background analysis focusses on relevant issues to be taken into account in the discussions on the Proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), especially from a media law perspective. Dealing with questions on the appropriate legal basis and coherence with the existing regulatory framework, as well as selected substantive issues and the proposed institutional structures, the analysis highlights possible shortcomings regarding practical impact and enforcement that should be addressed.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the true degree of academic freedom around the world despite international declarations, and constitutional and legal protection. This study aims to support the European Parliament's STOA Panel in developing a procedure to monitor developments in academic freedom in the EU Member States. The study provides an overview of the interpretation of academic freedom in different international declarations, and offers a critical assessment of existing evaluation ...

This study examines how cultural heritage can be better protected from the effects of armed conflicts, in Ukraine and beyond. It includes an analysis of the applicable international law and policy frameworks and the practice of key international actors in Ukraine, as well as in past conflicts. It concludes with a set of specific recommendations to the EU and its Member States to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage from the effects of armed conflicts, now and in the future.

In a rapidly changing and increasingly digital world, the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the need to develop the use of technology in education and training. Appropriate skills and competences, as well as digital infrastructure and equipment, are key in this regard. When adapting education to the digital age, ensuring equity and inclusion is crucial, too. The 2021-2027 digital education action plan (DEAP), the European Commission's flagship initiative adopted in September 2020, calls for ...