Riga, 9 February 2015 – The Latvian Presidency strongly supports the strengthening of the role of schools and universities in fostering the transmission and dissemination of the values that form the basis of a free and tolerant society. The Presidency also favours a ministerial-level discussion on this issue.
This view was expressed by Ms Mārīte Seile, the Latvian Minister for Education and Science after exchanging views with Ms Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the French Minister for Education, Higher Education and Research, and Mr Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
“Educational institutions play an important role in conveying these values to pupils. Education is an important brick in paving the road to a free, tolerant and open-minded society,” said Ms Seile in support of the meeting of EU Education Ministers in Paris.
The Latvian Presidency is ready to work side by side with France and the European Commission to organise an informal ad hoc meeting of the EU Ministers for Education on 17 March 2015 in Paris in order to address these issues before the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on 18-19 May 2015.
The Latvian Presidency condemns the escalation of intolerance and foreign fighters – a growing problem in many EU Member States. The Paris attacks have clearly demonstrated the need to address the issues of radicalisation and political violence throughout the EU – a growing movement which is contrary to European values.
In response to the tragic events in Paris, France on 7 January 2015 when armed Islamist terrorists killed journalists and police officers, the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union has adjusted its work programme accordingly, putting a considerable focus on the growth of radicalisation within the EU. We convey our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the barbaric attacks in Paris.