PM stresses education at Porto Summit

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Friday emphasised the importance of education as the key to the European Union’s economic success, said an official press release.

“Europe needs creative thinking and skilled hands to drive the digital and green transition forward. The conclusion is clear: people’s skills are Europe’s most important resource. With this in mind, the EU should set the goal of having the highest level of education in the world,” said Marin while addressing the Porto Social Summit organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Prime Minister participated in a panel on education and innovation in the summit.

She also stressed the importance of closer EU cooperation in the education sector and drew attention to the digital transformation in education. The prime minister went on to describe the role that education plays in strengthening the resilience of societies and advancing equality and inclusion.

Employment, equal opportunities, social protection, and health were key themes on the agenda of the Porto Social Summit.

The aim of the summit was to strengthen the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

In addition to the members of the European Council, the summit was attended by EU-level representatives of labour market organisations, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, and ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, among others.

Also on Saturday, the members of the European Council will hold an informal meeting in Porto, where they will continue with their discussion on social issues and adopt the Porto Declaration.