Keywords
EU
European integration
theory
conceptual framework
education and training
How to Cite
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the conceptual guidelines of the European integration in the area of education and training in the EU through the prism of the European integration theories. The relevance of this study after Ukraine gained EU candidate status is stated. The theoretical framework of the European integration offers an understanding of the logic and dynamics of harmonisation, analytical tools to guide the process of alignment with standards, including education. To achieve this goal, the method of comparative analysis of studies of key theories of the European integration, the evolution of their contribution to the model of European integration in the area of education and training is applied. The article reveals that European integration in education is a complex process shaped by both economic imperatives and socio-political needs. Despite the fact that the education and training sector belongs to the competence of the Member States and the challenges of cultural and political diversity, educational integration is showing dynamics. Through its soft power in the form of an open method of coordination, common goals and strategic programmes, the EU is fostering a sense of common purpose in education. The current model of the European integration works without total decentralisation and is based on the position of harmonisation, coordination and modernisation of national policies and education and training systems. It is concluded that the theory of the European integration in education encompasses ideas and concepts that work to justify the reasons, practices and prospects for cooperation between European countries and models of harmonisation of national education systems within the overall process of European integration under the auspices of the EU. Theories of the European integration are designed to provide an understanding of the complexity and evolution of the role of education in the European project. The comprehensive format of the conceptual framework is crucial for justifying the integration impact in the context of the imbalance between national diversity and European convergence, limited EU law in the education and training sector, and uneven access to resources between countries and regions.
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