Teachers, their support, empowerment and evaluation will be at the centre of this week’s informal council of education ministers of EU member states, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Monday.

The meetings will take place in Nicosia at the Philoxenia conference centre on Thursday and Friday.

The sessions will focus on key education priorities, including teachers, Erasmus, technical education and the role of technical high schools, higher education and its internationalisation, the push for a common European degree, and the use of artificial intelligence.

A central focus will be placed on teachers “as they are the main pillars of any change,” the minister added.

“We will dedicate the two days to these discussions so that we can move forward with the European Commission’s agenda and our own priorities, which are consistent with each other, as these are issues that concern the whole of Europe,” she explained.

On the first evening, participants will also attend a performance by students from Cyprus’ music schools.

“By discussing Europe’s priorities, we also have the opportunity to promote our good practices,” Michaelidou said.