"Education and Training 2020" Strategic Framework

On the 12th of May 2009 the Council conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) were approved for the period 2010-2020, in line with the priorities defined in the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs.

The following EU benchmarks were set for 2020:

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

The Conclusions also set four strategic objectives for 2020:

  1. Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
  2. Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training;
  3. Promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship;
  4. Enhancing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship;

The activities developed in the context of this programme also contribute to the intergovernmental part of the Bologna Process in the field of Higher Education.