Education union communicators across Europe have come together to prioritize the fight for public education, emphasizing their shared mission to advocate for a strong and sustainable educational system. Spearheaded by Education International (EI) and its European arm, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), the newly formed Communicators’ Network aims to fortify efforts to safeguard the future of public education within a socially oriented Europe.
The network gathered on November 13 in preparation for the forthcoming ETUCE conference, fighting for the Future of Public Education in a Social Europe, scheduled to be held in Budva, Montenegro, from November 26-27. During the meeting, ETUCE President Larry Flanagan outlined the conference’s key priorities, with a focus on addressing the ongoing challenges facing public education. Among the central themes are the advocacy for policies that support both educators and students across various European contexts. Flanagan acknowledged the diverse challenges encountered by member organizations throughout Europe but emphasized the strength derived from collective action. “ETUCE represents all our member organizations, offering mutual support in our shared commitment to the values we stand for,” he stated.
The status and attractiveness of the teaching profession are central issues for ETUCE Vice-President Odile Cordelier, who underlined the importance of raising the profession’s profile across Europe. “It is crucial for ETUCE to remain a powerful voice for education and educators, advocating for improvements that will make teaching an appealing and respected career,” Cordelier explained.
A key discussion during the network meeting was the Go Public! Fund Education global campaign, initiated by EI, with Engjellushe Ibrahimi, International Relations Secretary of the Trade Union Federation of Education and Science of Albania (FSASH), sharing insights from her country’s efforts. In Albania, unions have focused on securing greater education funding, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, where financial challenges persist. “In 2025, we will demand that 20% of national budgets be allocated to education,” said Ibrahimi. The campaign has already involved workshops, protests, and a series of actions aimed at raising awareness and securing funding.
The campaign focuses on three pillars: advocacy for increased education funding, policy analysis, and strengthening trade union communication, campaigning, and organizing.
Looking forward, members of the Communicators‘ Network will continue to collaborate in preparation for the ETUCE Conference. Rebeca Logan, Director of Campaigns and Communications at EI, highlighted the vital role of union communicators in advocating for well-funded public education systems. “Our enduring commitment to this mission ensures that Europe’s educators are equipped to advocate for the high-quality, inclusive education that all students deserve,” Logan concluded.
