Presentation of the EU-High Level Report on Literacy

What? Presentation of the EU High Level group report on Literacy on Literacy to Members of the European Parliament followed by Q&A with the press

Europe one in five 15 year olds, as well as nearly 75 million adults lack basic reading and writing skills, which increases their risk of poverty and social exclusion and makes it hard for them to get a job.

The High Level Group, set up by European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou, has produced a report that covers all ages and is widely seen as the current reference work on the issue. Now the UN Literacy decade (2003-2012) has come to an end, it is time to take stock of the situation and assess what steps can be taken to tackle the problem more effectively.

Who?

-HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, Special Envoy for UNESCO on Literacy for Development, Chair of the EU High Level Group and Chair of the Stichting Lezen & Schrijven

-Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth

-Mr. Kristian Schmidt, representative for Commissioner Andris Pielbags, European Commissioner for Development Aid and Cooperation

-Dr Mmantstesta Marope, UNESCO Director Division for Basic Learning and Skills Development

HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands and Dr Mmantsetsa Marope are available for one-on-one interviews after the event. Please contact Jan de Bisschop, +32 (0) 2290 8960 or +32 (0) 473 72 05 24.

When? Tuesday 22 January, 15.00 -16.45

Press moment: 16.45-17.00

Where? European Parliament, ASP 6D 128, Library of the European Parliament

Registration: Press that wants to come to the event without camera's, can register like all other visitors, by sending name, nationality, date of birth and passportnumber to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you do have cameras but dont have an access card please inform Melle van Dijk, assistant to MEP Marietje Schaake at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .