What the EU does Access to quality and inclusive education, training and lifelong learning is a right for all citizens. Together, the EU and its Member States are striving to improve educational outcomes, lower early school leaving rates, and close skills gaps.While the EU countries are responsible for their own education and training systems, the European Union helps them achieve quality education through the exchange of good practice, setting targets and standards, and providing funding and expertise.EU education and training policy aims to remove barriers to learning and expand access to quality education for everyone. One of the key initiatives is to build the European Education Area which supports EU-wide collaboration towards these aims.The European Education Area focuses on:Improving quality and equity in educationSupporting teachers, trainers and school leadersPromoting the development of digital skills for everyoneEncouraging green education activitiesStrengthening cooperation with countries around the world Areas of actionQuality and equityEU support for education, institutional cooperation, and lifelong learningBasic skillsImproving reading, math, science, digital and civic skills at all ages through a dedicated action planTeaching professionPromoting the status of teachers and their professional developmentDigital educationPromoting digital education solutions and building students’ and teachers’ digital skillsGreen educationEmpowering education to support the green transition and sustainabilityInternational cooperationLearn how the EU supports international exchange and cooperationUnion of skillsOur plan to plug the labour and skills gaps that are holding back European growth Key achievements With a total budget of more than €28 billion, double the funding of the previous programme, Erasmus+ will enable over 10 million people to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer in another country between 2021 and 2027.The DiscoverEU initiative, which is now part of the Erasmus+ programme, gives 18-year-olds the opportunity to explore the EU with a free travel pass. So far, over 430,000 travel passes have been given to young people, giving them the chance to learn more about European culture and history, make new friends and improve their language skills.Thousands of universities, schools, and training providers participate in cross-border partnerships.73 alliances involving almost 650 higher education institutions exist across Europe, under the European Universities initiative. These universities collaborate on joint degrees, research, and mobility — creating a more integrated European higher education landscape.Thanks to the Digital Education Action Plan and Education for Climate Coalition, the EU is helping education systems adapt to digital transformation and sustainability challenges, equipping everyone with essential 21st-century skills. In focus Free DiscoverEU travel passes for young peopleDiscoverEU, part of the Erasmus+ programme, offers 18-year-olds free train travel across Europe. It’s a unique opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Applications for this round are open until 22 April 2026 (midday, Brussels time). Successful applicants can travel anytime between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027 for up to 7 days within a one-month period.Read more Latest news 9 April 2026Commission invests close to €400 million for postdoctoral researchers11 February 2026Statement by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu at the European Parliament Plenary ahead of the International Day of EducationSee all Related informationDirectorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture This page was last reviewed on 8 April 2026
Access to quality and inclusive education, training and lifelong learning is a right for all citizens. Together, the EU and its Member States are striving to improve educational outcomes, lower early school leaving rates, and close skills gaps.While the EU countries are responsible for their own education and training systems, the European Union helps them achieve quality education through the exchange of good practice, setting targets and standards, and providing funding and expertise.EU education and training policy aims to remove barriers to learning and expand access to quality education for everyone. One of the key initiatives is to build the European Education Area which supports EU-wide collaboration towards these aims.The European Education Area focuses on:Improving quality and equity in educationSupporting teachers, trainers and school leadersPromoting the development of digital skills for everyoneEncouraging green education activitiesStrengthening cooperation with countries around the world
Basic skillsImproving reading, math, science, digital and civic skills at all ages through a dedicated action plan
Digital educationPromoting digital education solutions and building students’ and teachers’ digital skills
Free DiscoverEU travel passes for young peopleDiscoverEU, part of the Erasmus+ programme, offers 18-year-olds free train travel across Europe. It’s a unique opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Applications for this round are open until 22 April 2026 (midday, Brussels time). Successful applicants can travel anytime between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027 for up to 7 days within a one-month period.Read more
11 February 2026Statement by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu at the European Parliament Plenary ahead of the International Day of Education
