Ahead of the International Day of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to education as the foundation of Europes social model and a cornerstone of our prosperity, democracy and competitiveness.
Education empowers people to shape their own futures, strengthens our democracies, and fosters social cohesion. It equips Europeans to meet common challenges, from the digital and green transitions to security and resilience, while ensuring that everyone can participate fully in society.
The European Education Area has brought Member States closer together through shared objectives, cooperation and mobility. Yet, skills gaps, barriers to the recognition of qualifications, shortages of teachers and trainers, and risks of exclusion persist. Addressing these challenges is essential to future-proof our education and training systems.
With the Union of Skills, this Commission has put competences and skills at the heart of the EUs political agenda.
In a world shaped by digitalisation and artificial intelligence, basic skills need to go beyond literacy, mathematics and sciences. Digital and citizenship education are equally essential, enabling learners to think critically, engage democratically and navigate the digital world.
This year, the Commission will adopt an Education Package to empower learners, support teachers, and modernise schools. It will strengthen basic skills through a dedicated support scheme, encourage cooperation among schools across Member States, and support digital education. This year will also be crucial for enhancing the European dimension in citizenship education, as announced in the European Democracy Shield.
The European vocational education and training strategy will aim at making vocational education and training more attractive and innovative.
Looking ahead, the 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills will promote artificial intelligence literacy, digital wellbeing, resilience to disinformation, digital sovereignty and cooperation with European EdTech actors.
The EU is actively working, on our continent and beyond, to promote inclusive and high-quality education. By sharing expertise, supporting teachers, investing in future-ready competences, and fostering learning mobility and cooperation, we aim to contribute to global talent development.
In a faster and more unstable world, advancing education is not only an act of solidarity, but a vital investment in stability and a shared future grounded in democratic values.
Today, we honour educators and learners and call on all stakeholders to work together to build a fair and future-ready world through education.