5. Council Conclusions on a Strategy for Lifelong Learning (1996)

(Adopted by the Council of the European Union, 97/C 7/02, 20 December 1996)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS:

II.  PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING A STRATEGY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

The principles underpinning a strategy for lifelong learning are derived from the fundamental aim of education and training to serve individual, cultural, social and economic well-being and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens. In this respect, the development of a strategy for lifelong learning should be informed by the following principles:

— lifelong learning initiatives should strike an appropriate balance between personal, cultural, civic and social dimensions, and economic and employment concerns. In addition, they should also include democratic principles and human rights values,

— each stage of education and training should contribute appropriately to the continuum of lifelong learning,

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— initial education and training are fundamental to lifelong learning and should include, in addition to the core basic skills of literacy and numeracy a broad base of knowledge, skills, attitudes and experience that will encourage and support learning throughout life,

— lifelong learning should aim to promote individual abilities, enhance employability, make the best use of available human resources talent as well as contribute to the promotion of gender equality, the elimination of social exclusion and the promotion of active participation in democratic society,

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