ETUCE Committee adopts key decisions and advances work on education, democracy and teachers’ rights
Meeting in Brussels on 28–29 April, the ETUCE Committee adopted a series of key decisions and reviewed ongoing work that will shape ETUCE’s priorities in the coming period. Alongside major political discussions on EU education policy, digitalisation and cooperation with the Council of Europe, the Committee strengthened ETUCE’s strategic, policy and organisational direction.
Statutory decisions and governance
The Committee formally adopted the agenda of the meeting, as well as the minutes of previous statutory meetings, including Committee, Bureau and Standing Committee for Equality meetings. These decisions ensure continuity and democratic governance across ETUCE’s work.
ETUCE Conference 2028: venue and dates confirmed
Looking ahead to ETUCE’s highest statutory body, the Committee adopted Helsinki as the venue for the 2028 ETUCE Conference, which will take place on 12–14 December 2028. This marks an important milestone in preparations for the next Conference, where education unions from across Europe will define ETUCE’s future strategic direction.
Strengthening ETUCE policy positions at EU level
In line with discussions on shaping EU education policy, the Committee adopted ETUCE’s position on the Skills Portability Initiative, incorporating amendments reflecting the debate among member organisations. The Committee also adopted ETUCE’s position on Quality Assurance, reaffirming ETUCE’s commitment to quality public education systems, professional standards and the central role of teachers.
These decisions reinforce ETUCE’s policy voice at EU level at a time when education risks being reduced to labour‑market and competitiveness considerations.
Digital Omnibus and AI: prioritising advocacy and action
Following an in‑depth discussion on the Digital Omnibus package and AI in education, the Committee agreed to prioritise this issue politically and strategically. Members expressed strong concerns about the weakening of data protection safeguards, the use of personal and sensitive data in education, and the impact of AI on teachers’ workload, professional autonomy and collective bargaining.
As a result, the Committee decided to proceed with ETUCE’s campaign on the Digital Omnibus, in coordination with ETUC, including on skills‑related aspects. This decision directly connects with ETUCE’s broader efforts to ensure that digitalisation in education is guided by democratic values, fundamental rights and social dialogue.
Democracy, campaigns and solidarity
The Committee also reviewed ETUCE’s campaign and democracy‑related work, including exchanges on pressures facing public education systems, shrinking space for social dialogue and attacks on professional autonomy in several countries. Members underlined the importance of coordinated European action and solidarity to support national unions confronting these challenges.
Updates were also received on ETUCE projects, equality work, organising initiatives and international cooperation, highlighting the breadth of ETUCE’s work in support of teachers and education personnel across Europe.
Cooperation with the Council of Europe and future coordination
Members welcomed continued cooperation with the Council of Europe on education, including work on the future of the teaching profession, academic freedom, citizenship education and artificial intelligence. The Committee also took note of preparations for the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education, to be held in Podgorica in December 2026, as a key opportunity for high‑level political engagement.
Finally, the Committee received updates on the ETUCE By‑laws Task Force, whose first meeting will take place on 17 June 2026, with consultation of member organisations to follow later in the year.
Moving forward together
Through these decisions and exchanges, the ETUCE Committee reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, strong policy positions and coordinated action at European level. The meeting confirmed the central role of teachers and their unions in shaping education policy, defending public education and strengthening democracy across Europe.