On 29 June 2026, the Council of the European Union approved a Resolution updating the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training for the second cycle (2026-2030), revising the 2021 framework based on an interim evaluation. The new framework sets six strategic priorities: (1) literacy, mathematics and science for all; (2) digital skills and citizenship education; (3) lifelong learning and mobility for all; (4) attractiveness and competences of the education profession; (5) excellent and attractive vocational education and training (VET); and (6) a sixth priority not fully listed in the text. The Council acknowledged mixed progress on previous targets, including fewer early school leavers but declining basic skills, as reflected in falling PISA scores. It also noted challenges from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and demographic changes. The framework remains the main tool to implement the European Education Area, in synergy with the Union of Skills. The Commission will establish a European Skills Intelligence Observatory and a European Skills High-Level Board to support implementation. The Resolution affects all Member States and EU institutions, with follow-up expected through Council working groups and Commission reporting.
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