On the 12th of May 2009 the Council conclusions on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) were approved for the period 2010-2020, in line with the priorities defined in the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs.
The following EU benchmarks were set for 2020:
- an average of at least 15 % of adults should participate in lifelong learning;
- the share of low-achieving 15-years olds in reading, mathematics and science should be less than 15%;
- the share of 30-34 year olds with tertiary educational attainment should be at least 40%;
- the share of early leavers from education and training should be less than 10%;
- at least 95% of children between 4 years old and the age for starting compulsory primary education should participate in early childhood education.
The Conclusions also set four strategic objectives for 2020:
- Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality;
- Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training;
- Promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship;
- Enhancing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship;
The activities developed in the context of this programme also contribute to the intergovernmental part of the Bologna Process in the field of Higher Education.
