Issue 123
January 2024
ISSN 2315-0017
Spotlight on education and training
Education and training are essential for any society and play a key role in empowering people and shaping the future.
In the EU, the organisation of education and training systems and the content of teaching are a matter for the Member States. The EU actively supports its Member States in their efforts to provide top-quality education and training for their citizens. The EU's actions establish a framework and foster cooperation and the exchange of information, experiences, research, and tools between EU countries.
The EU's goals in the domain are multiple and ambitious. The EU works to help make lifelong learning and mobility a reality, enhance the quality and efficiency of education and training, promote equity and inclusion, social cohesion, and active citizenship, fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The EU aims to promote multilingualism in Europe and encourages the mobility of students, trainees, teachers, and young people in general.
The Erasmus+ programme is a prime example of the EU’s added value in this field. This programme offers opportunities for students, educators, and educational institutions across Europe to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. The initiative enriches educational experiences and promotes cultural understanding and unity across the continent. The EU also invests in research and innovation in education, recognising that future learning environments must be adaptive and digital competencies enhanced.
In conclusion, the EU's efforts in education are about empowering people. They represent an investment in people and in Europe’s future.
Our January newsletter focuses on education and offers a selection of key publications on the topic. As always, we also recommend readings on a variety of other engaging topics, from gender equality to quantum computing. Enjoy the good reads!
Education and training monitor 2023 PDF/Paper
Comparative report
The education and training monitor delivers an annual overview, provided by the European Commission, of the progress and transformations within EU education and training systems. The report tracks the advancement towards collectively established targets under the European Education Area’s strategic framework. It combines the most recent data and updates on national policies, offering a clear and up-to-date picture of educational developments across the EU.
Available in EnglishDigital education content in the EU PDF
State of play and policy options: final report
Explore the technological, legal, and pedagogical dimensions that shape Europe's digital education ecosystem. This comprehensive report delves into the current trends and challenges of digital education content, from early childhood to higher education. It offers a unique blend of case studies, market analysis, and expert consultations, revealing insights into the demand and supply of digital educational materials.
Available in English, French and GermanThe structure of the European education systems 2023/2024 PDF
Schematic diagrams
This publication offers a comprehensive overview of mainstream European education structures, from pre-primary to tertiary levels. It showcases national schematic diagrams and a detailed guide for interpretation, covering 39 systems across 37 countries. It is a valuable tool for understanding the diverse European educational models and a key resource for educators, policymakers, and students interested in the panorama of European education.
Available in English, Italian and SpanishInvesting in our future PDF
Quality investment in education and training
This report explores the crucial role of quality investment in education and training as a catalyst for boosting educational outcomes, promoting equality, and enhancing employability. The report shows that investing in education pays off greatly, both for individuals and society. It emphasizes how high-quality education can reduce poverty, lower unemployment, and improve opportunities for people across different generations.
Available in EnglishThe future of vocational education and training in Europe PDF
Synthesis report
This report offers a thorough examination of the evolving nature of European vocational education and training (VET), synthesising three years of extensive research across Europe. The report highlights key trends such as the diversification and expansion of VET institutions, a shift towards more flexible, practice-based learning, and a growing emphasis on lifelong learning and higher qualifications.
Available in EnglishEU support to strengthen gender equality in STEM PDF
This factsheet addresses the significant gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields within the EU. Despite near parity in doctoral graduates when considering all fields of study, women represent only a third of undergraduate students in the STEM disciplines and hold less than 20% of top academic positions in these fields. The publication outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance women's participation in STEM, including promoting gender-inclusive education and career paths, addressing stereotypes, and fostering institutional change.
Available in EnglishIn your language
Digital education action plan 2021-2027 PDF
Improving the provision of digital skills in education and training
The digital education action plan 2021-2027 addresses the urgent need for improved digital skills across Europe. With just over half of the population possessing basic digital abilities, and a significant skills gap in the labour force, the plan proposes comprehensive strategies for all education levels. It emphasizes inclusivity and quality in digital education, aiming to meet ambitious targets by 2030. This factsheet provides further detail.
Available in all official languages of the EUErasmus+, what's in it for me? PDF/Paper
The school for life starts here: school education
This factsheet serves as a guide to Erasmus+, the EU's premier programme for education, training, youth, and sport, with a special focus on schools. It provides an in-depth look at how schools and educational organisations can reap the benefits of the programme, detailing eligibility criteria, participating countries, and types of actions. Moreover, it underscores the programme's dedication to inclusion, digital education, participation in democratic life, and environmental sustainability.
Available in all official languages of the EU except IrishEthical guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in teaching and learning for educators PDF
This publication looks into the increasing use of AI in schools and universities, and explores the associated ethical aspects. It serves as an essential tool for educators aiming to adeptly navigate the ever-changing realm of AI in education, thereby enriching learning experiences while maintaining high ethical standards.
Available in all official languages of the EUAlso out recently
European Parliament Eurobarometer PDF
Parlemeter 2023: six months before the 2024 European elections
The Parlemeter 2023 is a comprehensive survey conducted across the EU, examining citizens' attitudes towards the European Union, its impact on their lives, and their views on important topics such as EU enlargement, democracy, and the upcoming European elections. The survey highlights Europeans' optimism about the EU's future, while acknowledging socio-economic hardships. Key priorities include poverty reduction, public health, and climate change.
Available in EnglishEIB investment survey 2023 PDF
European Union overview
The 2023 investment survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) offers insightful findings on the resilience and adaptive strategies of European businesses in challenging economic times. Despite economic slowdown and tighter credit, investment in the EU has remained robust, especially in areas like digitalisation, approaches to address climate change, and the green transition. The report highlights how European firms, supported by strong demand post-pandemic and government policies, are navigating issues such as high energy costs and the need for skilled employees.
Available in English, French and GermanGender Equality Index 2023 PDF
Towards a green transition in transport and energy
This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of gender equality in the EU, particularly in the context of the European Green Deal. It highlights the persistence of gender disparities, especially in sectors crucial for the green transition. The report looks into the impact of these inequalities on women's economic independence and their involvement in key sectors like energy and transport.
Available in EnglishResearch and innovation
CORDIS results pack on AI in science PDF/EPUB/Paper
The way we live and work is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), and scientific research is no exception. AI tools help to automate tasks, analyse data, and generate insights in ways that were not previously possible. This results pack presents 15 ongoing, or recently completed EU-funded projects that highlight various applications of AI in science. The pack underlines how AI-empowered applications and technologies like machine learning can help science deliver innovation and address problems that would otherwise be too difficult and time consuming to solve.
Available in English(Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)
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Being black in the EU PDF/Paper
Experiences of people of African descent
This report provides a crucial update on the challenges faced by people of African descent in Europe. Revealing an alarming increase in racial discrimination, harassment, and violence since 2016, it highlights the lack of progress despite existing anti-discrimination laws within the EU. The report is based on comprehensive data from nearly 6 800 individuals across 13 EU Member States, underscoring the pressing need for effective action on equality and inclusion.
Available in EnglishThe second quantum revolution PDF
The impact of quantum computing and quantum technologies on law enforcement
This publication explores the transformative effects of quantum computing and technologies on law enforcement. Highlighting both the potential benefits and threats, it delves into the impacts on cryptography, digital forensics, and secure communication. The report underscores the need for law enforcement to adapt to these advancements, particularly in safeguarding sensitive information against quantum computing's ability to break conventional encryption.
Available in EnglishSolar storms PDF
A new challenge on the horizon?
This illustrative publication examines the underestimated threat of solar storms and their potential to disrupt modern technology-dependent societies. It explores historical events, current vulnerabilities, and future risks, emphasising the importance of preparedness for these rare but significant events.
Available in EnglishOur news
Explore the dynamic landscape of European open data with the 2023 Open Data Maturity Report recently published by the Publications Office of the EU. The report provides an annual assessment of the level of open data maturity across 35 European countries, brought to you through data.europa.eu. Read about the advancements in the provision of high-value datasets, with geospatial and statistics leading the charge, and discover new trends and challenges.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of publications on education and training featured in this newsletter. If you are eager to find out more visit our bundle dedicated to education material on the EU publications website. This comprehensive selection is regularly updated and available in all official languages of the EU.
Find all our publications on
EU Publications