“European schools are more than ever a must in particular as the pupils will be raised in a European spirit based on our values which is more important than ever.” Mr Oettinger said during the meeting with school directors. He also added: “I want to ask what we can do – within the current budgetary limits and in view of the Commission’s competencies- to help you optimise your offer to the families further.“
The European Schools were created in 1953 in Luxembourg to accommodate the schooling of children of staff of the Institutions in their mother tongue, based on a common curriculum. The aims of the European Schools is “Educated side by side, untroubled from infancy by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, it will be borne in upon them as they mature that they belong together. Without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become in mind Europeans, schooled and ready to complete and consolidate the work of their fathers before them, to bring into being a united and thriving Europe.”
The system is governed by an intergovernmental convention, with a decision-making body (the Board of Governors) bringing together Members States, the European Commission, and representatives of parents, teachers and staff. The European Patent Office, European Investment Bank/ European Investment Fund and EU Intellectual Property Office are also represented.
The Presidency rotates among the EU Member States every school year – in alphabetic order rather than following the EU Presidency. For the school year 2017-2018, Estonia holds the Presidency.
European Schools in figures
- Number of European Schools: 13 in six countries
- Total number of pupils: 26,690
- Number of Category I pupils (children of EU staff): 21,310
- Number of teachers: 2,193 (1,282 seconded by Member States)
- Biggest European School: Brussels (Uccle) with 3,344 pupils
- Oldest European School: Luxembourg I, founded in 1953
- Number of accredited European Schools: 13
- Find more infromation here:European schools brochure
