The Ministerial Council on Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS), chaired by Minister of Culture and Sports, Panos Panagiotopoulos, took place on May 20-21, in Brussels.

In the education session chaired by Athanasios Kyriazis, Greek Secretary General for Education and Religious Affairs, on May 20, the Council adopted the following conclusions: on effective teacher education; on multilingualism and the development of language competencies; on quality assurance supporting education and training. In particular, the Greek presidency raised the issue of quality assurance in the cross-border, higher education programmes, which was discussed in public session. Finally, during the afternoon session, ministers exchanged views on youth-related matters. The Council adopted conclusions on "promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people."

On the second day, culture ministers adopted conclusions related to cultural heritage, for the first time, as a strategic resource towards a sustainable Europe. The conclusions emphasize the crucial role of cultural heritage to economic development and social cohesion, especially in a period of economic crisis which affects all Europe. A public debate on the next Council Work Plan for Culture beyond 2014 also took place.