WRITTEN QUESTION E-2498/00

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 August 2000)

Subject: Textbook on the European Union

Schoolchildren of all ages, who are now coming across subjects relating to the European Union on a daily basis and in every aspect of their educational lives, are constantly asking for a more specific basic grounding to assist them in shaping their perception of the political climate governing their lives present and future.

As a result, a sizeable number of teachers have been wondering whether it might be advisable to introduce an official textbook on the European Union which schoolchildren of all ages could use to study all aspects of the Union and the kind of impact it will have on their lives when they complete their studies.

In view of the above, does the Commission see the need to propose a standard textbook for schoolchildren which provides them with an insight into the European Union, thus ensuring that the teaching material provided to schoolchildren anywhere in the EU paints a uniform, fair and balanced picture of the Union?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 2000)

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that the organisation of education systems, including the content of teaching, is the responsibility of the Member States. As provided in Article 149 of the EC Treaty, the Community shall contribute to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States (mldr) while fully respecting the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems (mldr).

The Commission nevertheless has an active information policy and as a result has published several texts for the public, including publications targeting young people. A catalogue of the works available can be consulted on the Europa site and includes: Hello Europe A youth guide to Europe and the European Union (CD-ROM); Europe-15; Europe from A to Z.

All three are available in the eleven official languages and help to give young people and teachers a uniform picture of the Union.