The Council of the European Union for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport held meetings on 11 and 12 May 2026, during which ministers discussed key priorities for future European policies in these areas. The focus of the discussions was on strengthening European Union programmes, improving cultural and educational cooperation, the position of young people and the role of sport and digital technologies in modern society. The Council agreed on a negotiating position on the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034.

Although this is a partial mandate that does not yet cover financial issues, the Council proposed changes to the governance model to give Member States greater control over the implementation of the programme, including the re-establishment of the Programme Committee

The Council also adopted conclusions on the role of teachers in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). stressing that teachers play a key role in its safe, ethical and human-centred application in education. The conclusions highlight that artificial intelligence can improve inclusiveness, accessibility and individualised learning as well as the administrative efficiency of schools, but also warn of risks such as bias, disinformation, data protection and over-reliance on technology.

Agreement was also reached on the key elements of the new AgoraEU programme, which will support culture, media and civil society across Europe from 2028, with the aim of strengthening democracy, equality, the rule of law and the protection of artistic and media freedoms. The programme builds on Creative Europe and GERV and, through the sub-programmes Creative Europe – Culture, MEDIA+ and CERV+, supports cultural cooperation, the development of the audiovisual sector and the protection of fundamental rights.