Interim evaluation confirms added value of European Education Area

The European Commission recently conducted an interim evaluation of the 2021-2030 European Education Area (EEA), covering the period from 2021 to 2024.

The evaluation presents an ongoing effort to enhance European cooperation in education and training, and make sure that the EEA achieves its goals by 2030 and beyond.

Key insights

The evaluation confirms the EEA’s clear added value in

• fostering agreement among Member States on EU targets
• advancing shared priorities
• supporting national education and training reforms
• leveraging EU funding
• strengthening the European dimension of education

Despite progress, key challenges remain. To enhance impact, the evaluation suggests ways to

• update priorities
• ensure better links across sectors and policies
• improve monitoring to support evidence-informed decisions

About the evaluation process

The consultation activities took a fully participatory approach, engaging stakeholders and the wider education and training community.

In total, open and targeted consultation activities received more than 1000 contributions.

The evaluation examined the

• effectiveness
• efficiency
• coherence
• relevance
• added value

of the EEA, covering all strategic priorities and implementation instruments.

Strategic priorities

1. Improving quality, equity, inclusion, and success for all in education and training
2. Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all
3. Enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession
4. Reinforcing European higher education
5. Supporting the green and digital transitions in and through education and training

Implementation instruments

1. Governance
2. Mobilisation of EU funds and instruments for national reforms
3. Strategic EEA initiatives
4. EU-level projects and calls
5. Reporting, monitoring and evaluating progress
6. Communication and dissemination

Looking ahead

A stronger EEA means a stronger Europe—helping people succeed in learning, work, and life while supporting resilience, social cohesion, and competitiveness.

Read the report

For more information on the evaluation, read the Commission report, accompanied by a detailed staff working document, both informed by an external evaluation support study.