Croatian minister Vesna Pusic on EU summit in Cyprus

Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Vesna Pusic spoke on Friday of education in the European Union's foreign policy on behalf of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, the ministry said in a press release.

The importance of investing in education has been recognised in the EU as a prerequisite for successful post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, and the rights of women and little girls are closely linked to that, said Pusic.

She stressed that the key elements in the EU's joint action were building schools, ensuring access to schools and education for children, motivating parents to send children to schools, notably girls, ensuring quality of education with an emphasis on the prevention of violence, and education on human rights and learning.

Pusic said the goals in post-conflict societies were wound-healing, building trust between and within conflict-affected groups, sustainable peace, higher employment, notably of women, and maximising the benefits of education for the whole society.

Pusic said a Girl Effect Foundation survey showed that women invested 90 per cent of their incomes in their families, as against only 30-40 per cent of men. (Hina)