First Results of the Social Dialogue in the Field of Education and Training. CEDEFOP Flash. Special 5/90.

The umbrella associations from all 12 member states of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) approved a Joint Opinion on Education and Training that lays down a series of principles important for the development of future European Community vocational training policy. A document was issued as a follow-up to an earlier meeting on the importance of the revitalization of social dialog. The Joint Opinion on Training and Education can be viewed on two separate planes: first, it sets out and expresses the progress achieved in forming a view shared by the social partners in regard to the general principles concerning education and training and their importance for a united Europe; and second, it defines common guidelines to be adopted by European management and labor in promoting quality in education and training systems. The Joint Opinion stresses the importance of both basic training and retraining in order to equip participants with qualifications recognized in the labor market. It also stresses the importance of involving the social partners in the preparation and implementation of various programs of action of the European Community. (The text of the Joint Opinion is included in this report.) (KC)