What are the Educational policies of the EU?

Mission

European leaders have set an ambitious goal: the EU must become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion (European Council, Lisbon, March 2000). By 2010, Europe should be the world leader in terms of the quality of its education and training systems.

Making this happen will mean a fundamental transformation of education and training throughout Europe. Under the "Bologna Process," which now extends far beyond EU borders, more than 40 countries are working toward convergence of their higher education systems.

Top-quality education and training are vital if Europe is to develop as a knowledge society and compete effectively in the globalising world economy. Education policy as such is decided by each EU country, but together they set common goals and share best practices. In addition, the EU funds numerous programmes allowing its citizens to make the most of their personal development and the EU’s economic potential by studying, training or doing voluntary work in other countries.

Activities

The new strategic framework identifies four long term strategic objectives:

• Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
• Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training;
• Promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship;
• Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.

Based on these 4 strategic objectives, a number of priority areas are identified for concrete follow-up activities, for example expanding opportunities for learning mobility or enhancing partnerships between education and training institutions and the broader society.

In addition, EU-level benchmarks have been set for 2010 and 2020.

The benchmarks for 2010 are:

• the share of low achieving 15 year olds in reading should decrease by at least 20%; and
• the average rate of early school leavers should be no more than 10%;
• 85% of 22 year olds should complete upper secondary education;
• the total number of graduates in maths, science and technology should increase by at least 15%, while the gender imbalance in these subjects should be reduced
• the average participation of working adults population in lifelong learning should rise by at least 12.5%.

The benchmarks to be achieved by 2020 are:

• at least 95% of children between 4 years old and the age for starting compulsory primary education should participate in early childhood education.
• the share of low-achieving 15-years olds in reading, mathematics and science should be less than 15%.
• the share of early leavers from education and training9 should be less than 10%.
• the share of 30-34 year olds with tertiary educational attainment8 should be at least 40%.
• an average of at least 15 % of adults should participate in lifelong Learning

References

European Union - Education
Education, Training, Youth
European strategy and co-operation in education and training