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The European Education Area brings together EU and non-EU countries to provide equal access to high-quality education for all.

From early childhood to adult learning, the EEA is helping to remove barriers, improve the quality of education, and make it easier for learners and teachers to collaborate across the EU.

Strategic framework

The European Education Area strategic framework promotes collaboration between European Union Member States and key stakeholders and allows the monitoring of progress towards the achievement of their collective vision.

The European Education Area strategic framework was put in place to structure collaboration between European Union (EU) Member States and key stakeholders to achieve their collective vision.

The framework does so by

  • Strengthening means of policy cooperation and reaching out to stakeholders to encourage their engagement with the initiative
  • Enhancing synergies with other relevant initiatives, including the European Research Area and the Bologna Process
  • Identifying targets and indicators to guide work and monitor progress towards achieving the EEA
  • Fostering the integration of education and training into the European Semester process

The following seven targets should be attained to fully realise the European Education Area.

By 2025

  • At least 60% of recent graduates from VET should benefit from exposure to work-based learning during their vocational education and training
  • At least 47% of adults aged 25-64 should have participated in learning during the last 12 months

By 2030

  • Less than 15% of 15-year-olds should be low-achievers in reading, mathematics and science
  • Less than 15% of eight-graders should be low-achievers in computer and information literacy
  • At least 96% of children between 3 years old and the starting age for compulsory primary education should participate in early childhood education and care
  • Less than 9% of pupils should leave education and training early
  • At least 45% of 25-34 year-olds should have a higher education qualification

See the Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation and training for more information 

Initiative Details

Target audience
Digital skills in education.
Geographic scope - Country
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Industry - field of education and training
Education not further defined
Geographical sphere
EU institutional initiative