Press Releases
Education
Commission hosts anti-jargon conference
25/11/2010
Does clear writing by administrations contribute to democracy? Is it possible to draft legal texts that anyone can understand? These issues will be discussed at a European Commission conference entitled “Clear Writing throughout Europe” in Brussels tomorrow (26 November).
Agenda for new skills and jobs: EU sets out actions to boost employability and drive reform
23/11/2010
23 million people are currently unemployed across the EU - 10% of the active population - with serious consequences for European growth and welfare systems. At the same time, some employers are reporting difficulties in recruiting, especially for high-skill jobs. To address these challenges the European Commission today launched 'An Agenda for new skills and jobs'. It sets out 13 key actions aimed at reforming labour markets, upgrading skills and matching them with market demand to boost employability and make it easier to move jobs, to improve working conditions and job quality, and to create jobs.
Commissioner Vassiliou at EU Education Council
19/11/2010
Commissioner Vassiliou called on Member States to strongly resist 'short-sighted' cuts to education budgets as part of austerity measures in response to the crisis. "To cut down budgets in education is a very short-sighted policy that will have negative results in the long-run. We should encourage Member States to maintain or even increase their budgets in education," the Commissioner commented at a media briefing after a meeting of EU Education Ministers in Brussels.
Culture
Winners of the 2011 European Border Breakers' Awards announced
25/11/2010
Commissioner Vassiliou and music promoter Eurosonic today announced the winners of the 2011 European Border Breakers' Awards (EBBA) for emerging talent in European pop, rock and dance music. The winners will receive their awards in a ceremony hosted by TV personality and musician Jools Holland at the Eurosonic-Noorderslag music festival in Groningen, Netherlands, on 12 January 2011.
Winners of 2010 EU Prize for Literature honoured at award ceremony
18/11/2010
Eleven authors will be awarded the 2010 European Union Prize for Literature during a gala ceremony this evening at the Royal Flemish Theatre (KVS) in Brussels. The European Union Prize for Literature puts the spotlight on new and emerging authors. The 11 winners this year were selected by national juries in Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Commissioner Vassiliou at EU Culture Council
18/11/2010
Ms. Vassiliou warmly welcomed the adoption of the EU Culture work plan for 2011-2014, as well as of conclusions on European film heritage, on European cinema in the digital era and on the role of culture in combating poverty and social exclusion, by the EU's Council of Culture Ministers on November 18. During the Council, the Commissioner participated in a debate on bringing Europe's cultural heritage online with a specific Reflection Group ('Comité des Sages'), due to finalise their report on this topic at the beginning of 2011.
Film Festival: Commissioner Vassiliou salutes European winners at the International Rome Film Festival
06/11/2010
Three films co-funded by the European Union's MEDIA programme were among those honoured at the closing ceremony of the International Rome Film Festival on 5 November. "Hævnen/In a better world" by Susanne Bier received two of the main awards: The Grand Prix of the Jury and the Prix of the Public for the best film. Toni Servillo got the Prix of the Jury as best actor for his role in the film "Una vita tranquilla/A quite life" of Claudio Cupellini. The Prix of best Italian actor was awarded to Francesco di Leva in the same film.
Sport
Commissioner Vassiliou at EU Sport Council
18/11/2010
Ms. Vassiliou welcomed the Council's recognition of the role played by sport as a catalyst for social inclusion. "I'm pleased that the Council fully recognised the value of sport in our societies as a source and driver for social development and change. Sport can open doors and give people a second chance,'" the Commissioner commented after the meeting on November 18.
Multilingualism
From Finnish Lapland to Limassol, teenagers get set for EU translation contest
22/11/2010
Up to 3 300 teenagers from all over Europe will test their language skills in the European Commission's fourth annual 'Juvenes Translatores' Young Translators' Contest for schools on 23 November. The contest will be held at the same time in all the schools, from Kittilä in Finnish Lapland to Limassol in Cyprus. The test runs for two hours, from 10 to 12 noon Brussels time, under the supervision of the schools.
