We know education as the "great equalizer" of opportunity.
But this is only true if every child and every learner – in Europe and beyond – has access to high-quality, inclusive education. No matter their origin, no matter their gender, no matter their background.
In Europe, we can be proud of our education and training systems. Yet, pride must go hand in hand with honesty. We must recognise where inequalities persist, and where change is needed.
In a world shaped by new technologies and AI, how we learn, how we adapt, and how we think critically will be just as important as what we learn.
That journey starts with building strong foundations: literacy, maths, science, digital skills, citizenship education. Reversing the decline in basic skills is at heart of the Union of Skills.
Last year, we adopted the Action Plan for Basic Skills. This autumn, as part of the Education Package, we will go further: with a Basic Skills Support Scheme for Schools to support children and young people who are struggling to keep up.
Teachers are central to every learner's success. They deserve our full support and attention. Yet too many are overworked, undervalued, and leaving the profession. A quarter of Europe's teachers are more than 55 years old and will retire in the next decade, while not enough younger teachers are stepping in to replace them. Without motivated, well-equipped teachers, there is no education system and no equal opportunities for all. That is why I will present an EU agenda for teachers and trainers.
We must also strengthen vocational education and training, making it more attractive, innovative, and inclusive – in line with the Herning Declaration adopted in September last year. This will be the goal of the European VET strategy I will present this summer.
European action must work in synergy with national strategies. With the Commission's proposal for a Council Recommendation on Human Capital, we put stronger emphasis on education in the Semester process.
This is particularly important in view of the next MFF.
EU funding can be a powerful catalyst for reform. Our proposal to increase funding for Erasmus+ by 50% is a clear signal of our ambition.
But this is not enough. We need much more investment in education.
It is about public funding, with the National Regional Partnership Plans. But it is also about mobilizing private funding.
On this, let me stress the key importance and opportunity we have in the European Competitiveness Fund to support innovative education and training, and to bring in private investment as well.
Finally, through the Global Gateway, we will continue to support access to quality education worldwide.
Of course, inequalities in education do not start in the classroom, and cannot be solved there alone.
Too often, unequal access to healthcare, housing and social support translates into unequal learning outcomes. A child who is unwell, who changes home frequently, or who lacks a safe place to study starts each school day at a disadvantage.
If we are serious about equal opportunities in education, we must look beyond schools and work across sectors, bringing together education, health, housing, employment and social services. Only a systemic approach can ensure that every learner has a fair chance to succeed.
Honourable Members,
Today, more than ever, investing in education is a strategic investment in our competitiveness, our democracies and our shared future. A future grounded in common European values.
Let's work together to make education truly live up to its promise as the great equalizer, for every learner, everywhere.
