The role of the European Union in fostering entrepreneurship education

One objective of the European Union (EU) is to foster entrepreneurship education as outlined in leading documents of the 7(th) Framework Programme (FP7) and other actions that have already started. How important this subject is for driving forward the establishment of a European Education and Research Area is shown by the efforts taking place on the national and European stages. In this paper, the authors explain the importance of these intentions to the UICEE partners in order to encourage not only European, but all partners of the UICEE to participate in this new Framework. It will give an overview and explain the structures of current programmes created by the EU. The European Commission has even tabled programmes for action at the national and European levels to foster innovation as a main asset of the EU economy. The programmes point the way forward for the accompaniment of industry-led innovation with public policies at all levels as a core element of the renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs. The Commission's response to this is based on high-priority actions. Among others, the establishment of innovation-friendly education systems, of a European Institute of Technology and the strengthening of research-industry links, will all have a significant role in this process.