ETUC applauds the fact that the number of persons with a degree in mathematics, science and technology has risen by 37%, beyond the anticipated target of 15%.

ETUC deems positive the increase in the number of students who complete their higher secondary course of study, the improvement in reading comprehension and the increased participation in adult education programs.

Nevertheless, the data given by the Commission shows a negative side – the gender imbalance is maintained; women show a higher incidence of school drop-outs and a lower percentage graduate in mathematics, science and technology.

ETUC feels negatively about the fact that, despite a reduction in the percentage of dropouts in school, the percentage is still at an unsatisfactory level, one young person out of seven in the EU is still affected according to Commissioner Vasssiliu. Consequently, the system needs adjustment and improvement. After all, at 15, one student out of five has reading comprehension problems.

For ETUC, educational policies are one of the keys to recovery from the crisis, so they must not be affected by budget cutting policies. ETUC agrees with the Commission that spending on education must be maintained and increased as an investment for employment and growth.

ETUC calls for intensification of initiatives in view of the objectives established by the ministers of education for 2020: Reduction of dropouts to less than 10%. 40% of persons between 30 and 40 years old finish higher education. Incorporation into the educational system of 95% of children between four and school-age. Reduction of youth of 15 having reading comprehension problems to less than 15%.

An average of 25% of adults between 25 and 64 should take part in continual education. Nevertheless, ETUC, warns that both these policies and these objectives will be negatively affected by cutbacks, adjustments and austerity levels, approved at European level and enacted in the Member States, jeopardizing policies of social solidarity and protection, and maintains that education is a crucial and key factor for the future of Europe and Europeans.

The report also stipulates that it gives impetus to proposals linking education and vocational training in the initiatives "New Skills and Jobs", “Youth on the move" and the ”Bruges Communiqué on enhanced European cooperation in Vocational Training". For this, ETUC reiterates the proposals in its Resolution "More investment in education and lifelong learning for quality jobs":

 Supporting quality basic education that provides a fundamental beginning in life – the Member States should support and finance duly regulated public sector institutions, including preschools, primary and secondary education and vocational training as well as higher education with qualified, well-trained teaching personnel and assistants enjoying good salaries and working conditions.

 Enabling equality of access to education and vocational training, independently of gender, age, nationality, professional situation, contrary to the current situation where those who need education and vocational training the most are those who have the greatest difficulty in getting it.

ETUC also proposes that the transition between basic education and working life should be facilitated; that adequate financing, focusing on high-quality education and vocational training should be made available; that participation in the social dialogue on lifelong learning should be promoted; that a maximum of European initiatives and instruments on education and vocational training should be encouraged (EQF, Europass, ECTS, and links with the lifelong learning program). Progress should be made on recognition of informal education, rather than formal education, once initial education is complete.

 For ETUC, moving towards a European education area is indispensable.