​On 10 October, members of the European Committee of the Regions adopted unanimously the opinion "Building a stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies" written by EA member Ms Gillian Ford, Councillor in the London Borough of Havering.

The opinion outlines the position of local and regional authorities on several proposals put forward by the European Commission which aim to contribute to the construction of the European Education Area by 2025. The topics addressed in the proposals and the opinion include automatic mutual recognition of diplomas and learning periods abroad, high quality early childhood education and care systems, and the approach to the teaching and learning of languages.

Cllr Ford had been appointed rapporteur-general on the package at the SEDEC commission meeting in June.