Education Youth and Culture

As Irish people, we are rightly proud of our amazing cultural history. We have given the world great music, literature and art, and our traditional culture is still alive and kicking. Don’t believe me? Just think of the last seisiún, féile, music concert, arts event, literary festival or sing-song you attended. We have lots to offer.

Our traditions, art and culture are also part of a rich European tapestry. Our local and regional cultures are protected and promoted by the EU, while also recognised as being part of a diverse European heritage. The EU funds many cultural initiatives and exchanges so we can share our arts and traditions with other Europeans, and come to enjoy theirs too.

If we look back just 65 years, national identity and borders were the cause of terrible war and struggle in Europe. Today, the EU promotes cross-border exchange and understanding.

No matter what age you are or what interests you have, there are EU programmes and initiatives you can join, including youth programmes and lifelong learning projects. The EU works constantly to ensure our young people, and our workforce, are ready and educated to take advantage of Europe's cultural diversity and freedom of movement.

• If you're a third-level student, you may be able to spend a semester or a year in another EU country under the Erasmus programme, which gives financial support to thousands of Irish students every year
• If you're in the workforce, you may benefit from the millions of euro contributed by the EU  every year towards vocational education and training for the Irish workforce
• Do you use the cúpla focail? Our language is an important part of our culture and, in 2007, Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union
• Are you an artist, or do you enjoy Irish arts and culture? Many of our artists and cultural institutions receive substantial EU support for their work

We all have the right to access education and culture, and the EU will continue to work on projects, initiatives and legislation to protect that right and make it even easier for us:

• Lifelong learning will remain a priority and Irish students and workers are benefitting from €80 million in EU funding to promote cross-border learning and work placements between 2007-2013
• The Erasmus programme is becoming increasingly more popular with more and more Irish students taking advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester or more abroad. Contact your college's Erasmus coordinator to find out how you can benefit.   
• Over 900 schools, and over 300 adult education institutions will also benefit from this funding to take part in educational partnerships across the EU
• Your educational or professional qualifications are increasingly recognised across all EU states, not just in Ireland, because of the European Qualifications Framework
• EU policy will continue to improve the instruction, training, mobility and social inclusion of young Europeans and help them become more employable
• Our artists and cultural professionals will gain improved conditions under the Work Plan for Culture 2008-2010,while all of us will benefit from improved access to cultural artifacts and events

As Europeans, young Irish people can benefit hugely from spending time in another EU country, whether studying, volunteering or on work experience. The European Commission is currently holding a public consultation on how to make it easier for our young people to do this. You can give your views here: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/focus/focus1538_en.htm

A community of cultures – the EU and the arts
European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009
Work Plan for Culture 2008-2010
Education & Training in Europe
Youth in Europe
Youth in Action programme
European Youth Parliament
Watch EU videos on Education and Culture (Youth and Sport)