Education and Training policies of the European Union

Policies of the European Union concerning Education and Training EU education and training policies have gained impetus since the adoption of the Lisbon Strategy in 2000, the EU's overarching programme focusing on growth and jobs. The strategy recognised that knowledge, and the innovation it sparks, are the EU's most valuable assets, particularly in light of increasing global competition.

The long-term strategic objectives of EU education and training policies are:

• 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.

FACT SHEETS

Key EU Policies

• Higher Education
• Vocational Training
• Adult Learning

The Lifelong Learning Programme

The European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme enables people at all stages of their lives to take part in stimulating learning experiences, as well as helping to develop the education and training sector across Europe.

• Higher education: Erasmus
• Vocational education: Leonardo da Vinci
• Adult education: Grundtvig
• Understanding European integration: Jean Monnet programme

EU Education and Culture Contacts