In June 2011, Member States committed themselves to developing evidence-based and comprehensive national strategies to reduce early school leaving by the end of 2012. According to recent Eurostat figures, the Member States must work harder if they are to meet the Europe 2020 education targets to reduce early school leaving rates to less than 10% and increase the share of young people with degree-level qualifications to at least 40%.

Eurostat's figures show that the share of early school leavers now stands at 13.5%, down from 14.1% in 2010 and from 17.6% in 2000. In 2011, 34.6% of 30-34 year olds in the EU had a degree, compared to 33.5% in the previous year and 22.4% in 2000. Although the latest figures highlight progress towards both targets, the Commission is concerned that this is not a result of reforms which will have a long-term impact but rather a by-product of high youth unemployment which means more young people are staying longer in education and training. The Commission will report on latest developments concerning early school leaving and graduate attainment in the upcoming Education Monitor (autumn 2012) and the next Annual Growth Survey (2013).

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/education/news/20120607_en.htm