During the debate Commissioner Figel' particularly welcomed a group of six French schools that, in the morning, had taken part in a national Spring Day event in Paris. Mr Xavier Darcos, French Minister of Education, also attended the event and acknowledged the work of schools in European projects by handing out prizes and diplomas.

Commissioner Figel' also interacted with students and teachers from Základná škola s materskou school, Urmince, in Slovakia, a school that he had just visited (link).

Answering a question about developing social and personal attributes that enable one to become aware of and open to other cultures, Commissioner Figel' pointed out: "Last May ministers just agreed to work towards 'intercultural competences' which means that people from the early age should be encouraged to acquire skills and knowledge that help experience the cultural diversity of the today's Europe.

The Spring Day debate hosted by Commissioner Figel' is the last online debate scheduled for the current school year. The Spring Day online debates aim to gather key European figures and teachers and students to discuss a number of European themes focusing on cultures and intercultural dialogue.

Related information:

Commissioner Figel' pays a visit to the Základná škola s materskou school in Slovakia

More news on key public figures and their visits to interact with students and teachers

Guess who is going back to school

Photo-gallery: Commissioner Figel' and his team of experts

Photo-gallery: Participating schools