On 22 May 2019 the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discussed the future of culture. At the meeting Hungary promoted Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture in 2023.
On 22 May 2019, the EYCS Council adopted conclusions on young people and the future of work, in order to address problems such as insecurity and precarious working conditions. Ministers also adopted a resolution establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue, which will contribute to the overall objectives of the EU Youth Strategy. The Council also held a policy debate entitled 'Young people as agents of democracy in the EU'. The debate took place ahead of the upcoming European elections, which made the topic very actual.
Ministers adopted a recommendation on a comprehensive approach to the teaching and learning of languages that aims to explore ways of helping all young people to acquire competences in two foreign languages. Furthermore, the Council adopted a recommendation on high quality early childhood education and care systems with the purpose to support Member States in their efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of their early childhood education and care systems, whilst recognising that Member States are primarily responsible in this area. The Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the Council recommendation on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults.
The ministers held a policy debate entitled 'Building the future of Europe: the contribution of education and training to strengthening social cohesion'. The aim of the debate was to reflect on concrete future steps in the development of the European Education Area by 2025, with particular emphasis on strengthening social cohesion.
On 23 May 2019, the EYCS Council adopted conclusions on fostering young creative generations. These conclusions highlights the importance of young generation's access to culture, in order to develop creative, intercultural and communication skills. The ministers also adopted conclusions on the promotion of European audio-visual works by improving the cross-border circulation of audio-visual creations and co-productions. Furthermore, a policy debate was held on disinformation, entitled 'From tackling disinformation to rebuilding EU citizens' trust in the media'.
Péter Fekete, Minister of State for Culture informed the Council about the nomination of Veszprém for European Capital of Culture in 2023. Veszprém will be the second Hungarian city holding the title for a year after Pécs in 2010. Veszprém plans to cooperate not only with past and future European Capitals of Culture but also with the Balaton region during the implementation of their programme.
In the field of sport, the Council adopted a resolution on the representation of EU Member States in the Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the coordination of Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings. The Council also agreed on conclusions on enhancing access to sport for persons with disabilities. Finally, the Council held a public policy debate on 'Increasing the participation of children and young people in sport in 21st century Europe'.
