With a view to achieving the four strategic objectives under the ‘ET 2020’ framework, the identification of priority areas for a specific work cycle should improve the efficiency of European cooperation in education and training, as well as reflect the individual needs of Member States, especially as new circumstances and challenges arise.

The priority areas, as referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c) in the ‘further agrees’ section above and detailed below, reflect the need to:

     (i)  pursue cooperation in areas where key challenges remain;

     (ii) develop cooperation in areas regarded as particularly important during this particular work cycle.

Member States will select, in accordance with national priorities, those areas of work and cooperation in which they wish to participate in joint follow-up work. If Member States deem necessary, the work on specific priority areas can continue in subsequent work cycles.