Interim evaluation of the 2021-2030 European Education Area strategic framework : report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions

Developing the European Education Area (EEA) as a genuine, common space for quality education and lifelong learning for all is the overarching political objective of the 2021-2030 strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training. The EEA is a comprehensive EU policy and investment strategy for quality, inclusive education and training in all contexts and sectors, from early childhood to adult life. Between 2021 and 2025, the building blocks of the EEA were put in place. This work was driven by shared strategic priorities, EU-level targets, European cooperation, joint policy delivery, and national reforms. In response to the Council's invitation, the Commission carried out an evaluation on the basis of extensive consultations and an external support study. The evaluation will inform Council deliberations on the review of the strategic framework ahead of its second, 2026-2030 cycle. This includes possible adjustments of EU-level targets, governance and priority areas. The Commission Staff Working Document (SWD) summarises the findings of the evaluation, including the study. In addition to the key findings from this evaluation, the Union of Skills Communication provides the most recent EU-level strategic orientation for education and skills. This also needs to be reflected in the review of the framework.