The Council of the European Union on Monday adopted a position stressing that education systems should be developed so that teachers remain central figures in the learning process even as artificial intelligence (AI) is used more widely. The document calls for a human‑centred and ethical approach to AI in education.
Main aims and recommendations
According to the Council's statement, it is essential that
- teachers receive appropriate training and access to modern tools to help students navigate an increasingly complex digital environment;
- the use of AI for educational purposes is safe, ethical and human‑centred;
- digital competencies and AI knowledge are developed; and
- equality of opportunity and inclusion are ensured.
The text also emphasizes preparing teachers and supporting the wellbeing of both educators and learners.
Roles for member states and the EU
Speaking on behalf of member state governments, the Council urges national policymakers to
- develop teachers' digital and AI‑related skills;
- support the creation and use of AI tools for education; and
- address inequalities in digital access.
The Council stresses that AI should strengthen, not undermine, teachers' professional autonomy and working conditions. It calls for sustainable working conditions that take into account AI's impact on workload, assessment processes and administrative tasks.
Involving teachers in design and evaluation
The statement highlights that teachers should play a role in designing and evaluating AI‑based educational tools, to ensure those technologies support human decision‑making and democratic values.
European Commission and international cooperation
The document also sets out ways the European Commission can support educators. Proposed measures include strengthening cooperation with international organisations — for example, the Council of Europe based in Strasbourg — facilitating the sharing of research and scientific results, and developing guidance on the ethical use of AI.
Working with member states, the Commission can contribute to capacity building, exchange of experience and support for learning processes, as well as encourage the development and availability of educational resources and cooperative programmes at national and EU level.
Why this matters
The Council's position signals that EU countries intend to balance technological uptake with preserving the role of teachers and promoting an ethical, human‑centred approach. Implementation of the recommendations could affect teachers' working conditions, students' digital skills and the direction of educational technology development across the Union.
