Basic skills
The European Union (EU) is working with its Member States to ensure that every learner develops the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world – and that education systems can respond faster to new challenges.
What are basic skills?
Basic skills are the foundations for further learning, critical thinking and lifelong development. They cover five areas:
- Literacy: understanding, using and evaluating information, in reading and writing
- Mathematics: reasoning, solving problems and making informed decisions using numbers and data
- Science: understanding scientific ideas, evaluating evidence and interpreting the world around us
- Digital skills: using digital technologies confidently, critically, safely and responsibly
- Citizenship: understanding society and democracy, evaluating information and participating actively in civic life
Together, these skills help people adapt to technological change, recognise disinformation, develop their talents and contribute to society. They also provide the foundations of key competences for lifelong learning, innovation and a skilled workforce – essential to Europe’s long-term human capital base.
Where do we stand?
Europe faces a persistent decline in basic skills. The latest international results show that too many young people are being left behind, while fewer reach the highest levels of achievement.
- around 1 in 3 15-year-olds in the EU underachieve in reading and mathematics
- 1 in 4 underachieve in science
- over 40% of pupils underachieve in digital skills
- an estimated 68% of eighth graders demonstrate an adequate level of civic knowledge
- among disadvantaged 15-year-olds, only 15.6% perform well in at least one area (reading, mathematics or science)
The EU also has fewer top-performing pupils than other major economies. These gaps limit individual opportunities and weaken Europe’s capacity to innovate, compete and respond to global challenges.
Reversing this trend requires more than identifying effective practices. Europe needs to put them into practice faster and at greater scale.
Education and Skills Package
The Education and Skills Package sets out coordinated action to improve learning and help education systems adapt more quickly to changing needs.
It brings stronger support for teachers and schools, and calls for a whole-of-government approach. Education authorities need to work closely with ministries responsible for finance, employment, health, digital policy and social affairs, as well as families, employers and communities.
Who will benefit
Learners
Stronger foundations for learning, greater opportunities to develop their talents, and the skills to navigate a changing world safely and confidently.
Teachers
Better access to evidence-informed teaching approaches, professional collaboration and practical support to meet diverse learning needs.
Schools
Stronger leadership, greater capacity to identify learning gaps, and better access to expertise and effective practices from across Europe.
Families and communities
Closer partnerships with schools and stronger links between education, families, local services and the wider community – helping create the conditions in which every learner can succeed.
Funding opportunities
Funding for activities to raise basic skills levels is available through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
The EU is also financing activities to raise basic skills levels in EU countries through ESF+.
Policy background
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