Education ministers discussed the implications of COVID-19 on the educational systems and particularly the challenges of the distance learning.
After a first meeting on 13 March, the Croatian Presidency organised a second informal video conference of European ministers of education on the implications of the COVID-19 for education and training. Besides the EU Member States, also the EFTA states Norway, Iceland and Switzerland participated.
The discussion focused on the difficulties involved in distance learning. One of the major concerns is how to achieve equal access in this new situation, e.g. how this new situation will affect rural schools, students with special assistance needs and disabilities or pupils with a lack of access to internet. Ministers exchanged also about school closings, organisation of final exams and access to higher education. Ministers once more underlined the importance of mutual exchange and learning as well as of European level action. The EU Member States have started a survey to collect and share information from the individual states. On suggestions for European level action was a strategic approach on distance learning, supported by the European Commission.
They also briefly touched upon implications of the crisis on mobility, reflecting on the virtual possibilities and formats. Currently, participants in EU programmes are encouraged to switch to virtual mobility. Responsible National Agencies and the European Commission are in close contact through regular online meetings to discuss issues in this regard.
In order to visualise school closure measures across Europe, Eurydice has published data on 20 April. Switzerland is included in the overviews.
In the beginning of April, a group of members of the European Parliament has on its side called upon the European Union and its Member States to take action to minimise inequalities. They e.g. propose to create and fund an educational platform for European schools and universities.