On 16 December 2008 the European Commission presented its strategic vision for co-operation between EU Member States on the reform of their education and training systems. Common challenges, such as skills deficits, ageing societies and foreign competition need joint responses, and some goals will be easier to achieve if countries learn from each other.
The Commission identifies both immediate priorities for 2009-10 and long-term challenges, and suggests improved tools to meet them.
These include new education and training benchmarks for monitoring progress across Europe.
There are three overall objectives:
- improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems;
- facilitating access to education and training systems;
- and opening up EU education and training systems to the wider world.
Five EU-level benchmarks are set for 2010:
- the average rate of early school leavers should be no more than 10%;
- 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;
- 85% of 22 year olds should complete upper secondary education;
- the number of low-achieving 15 year olds in reading, mathematical and science should half; and
- the average participation of working adults population in lifelong learning should rise by at least 12.5%.
Cedefop will be supporting with research and analysis.