Press release: Commission says OECD findings confirm importance of investment in education for EU growth and jobs

The European Commission welcomed on the 9 September 2014 the launch of Education at a Glance 2014, the annual report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It highlights the growing importance of investment in education for future growth and employment in the EU and for more inclusive European societies.

The report covers the 34 OECD member countries, including 21 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). Latvia, although not an OECD member, is also included in the report as an OECD partner country.

Main findings about the EU in Education at a Glance 2014:

+ Educational opportunities continue to expand significantly in Europe.

+ High levels of education and skills pay off for both individuals and society.

+ Similar levels of educational attainment do not always mean similar levels of skills.

+ The right skills matter during the transition from education to work.

+ The teacher population is ageing.

+ Private investment in tertiary education is growing.

ESO: Background information: Education at a Glance 2013: Highlights http://www.europeansources.info/record/education-at-a-glance-2013-highlights/

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