Dear parents,

InterParents has been actively involved in the follow-up of the resolution on the European Schools System: state of play, challenges and perspectives, issued by European Parliament on 12/09/2023.

I would like to share with you the letter and its attachments, which have been sent by InterParents on 22/03/2024 to the members of the Board of Governors (BoG), Budgetary Committee (BC) and Joint Teaching Committee (JTC), as well as to Italian and Cypriot delegations (presidency of the European Schools 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 respectively) and have been shared with all other stakeholders’ representatives (ISTC – European School teachers committee, COSUP – European School pupils committee, COM – European Commission, CAPEEA – parents of the Accredited European Schools (AES), COSEEA – pupils of the Accredited European Schools).

I feel privileged that in addition to having participated in the preparatory interview and discussions with the European Parliament, as InterParents vice president and delegate to JTC and BoG I am able to participate in the follow-up discussions at many different forums and levels.

I truly hope you will find reading these documents that the main concerns raised by InterParents is a valid reflection of your own concerns about the European School System and I encourage you to participate on 18/04/2024 in the online conference with the President of the Board of Governors, Mr. Antonio Cenini, organised by R&D.

Reet Escribano
InterParents vice president

Dear members of Board of Governors, Budgetary Committee and Joint Teaching Committee,

As we prepare for the upcoming Board of Governors meeting on 10 April, we wanted to reach out to you regarding the proposed plan of actions aimed at addressing the recommendations outlined in the European Parliament Report on the European Schools (European Parliament resolution of 12 September 2023 on the system of European Schools: state of play, challenges, and perspectives (2022/2149(INI))).

While the initial plan marks a step forward, it’s evident that it only partially addresses the comprehensive European Parliament (EP) recommendations. Now more than ever, we need a robust and strategic approach that tackles all aspects highlighted by the EP, with particular emphasis on preparing the European School System to be an integral part of the European Education Area.

The EP report is the only comprehensive assessment ever undertaken of the European School System since its founding in 1957. It has taken over 2 years of work by the EP, including commissioning an expert consultant assessment, extensive quantitative and qualitative research and in-depth interviews with a wide range of individuals involved in the schools. This comprehensive effort underscores the importance and gravity of the recommendations put forth.

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment, presented with a historic opportunity for transformative change. With the backing of the European Commission, The European Parliament, Parent Representatives, Teacher Representatives, and Pupils Representatives, the momentum for reform is clear. As members of the Board of Governors, you hold the responsibility to champion this cause and drive forward the necessary changes.

We urge you to agree a comprehensive roadmap and strategic plan at the April meeting that fully addresses all EP recommendations. In particular, let us prioritize the commissioning of the requested external expert review of governance, management structures and pedagogy, which will serve as a foundational activity for this change program. 

Let us seize this moment to shape the future of the European School System and fulfill the expectations placed upon us.

Please find attached:

• our analysis of the Draft Action Plan of the OSG, and where it needs to be strengthened
• a table that links these actions back to the original recommendations of the EP
• a brief summary of the EP Session held on 12 February 2024 with the leaders of the School system to assess progress on the EP recommendations
• For your convenience we also attach the draft Action Plan and the European Parliament Resolution. (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0205_EN.html)

Warm regards,

Helen Valentine
President InterParents