On November 28, 2022, the EU ministers of education agreed on measures to reduce the share of early leavers from education and training and to boost the school success of children across the EU.

Earlier this year, Eurodiaconia published a briefing for members on the Commission’s Proposal for a Council Recommendation entitled “Pathways to School Success” which aims to create a shared vision for EU Members States to achieve a European Education area that ensures inclusive and quality education for all.

The Recommendation has now been adopted by the Council and calls on Member States to develop strategies towards school success and to minimise the effects of socio-economic status on education and training outcomes. At 9.7 % in 2021 across the EU on average, the share of early school leaving is still above the EU’s 9% objective. Member States are encouraged to pay particular attention to well-being at school, as it  is important to enhance young people’s chances of succeeding in education and in life. The Recommendation includes also measures for teachers, trainers, and school staff in order to combine prevention, intervention and compensation measures.

Another important action taken by the Council includes the Council Conclusion on supporting well-being in digital education. Measures will include acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and competences and designing teaching and learning approaches that enhance well-being as well as interpersonal relations in the digital education ecosystem. Digital education comes with both opportunities and challenges for the well-being of learners and educators. Therefore, when designing national policies in digital education, member states are asked to strengthen learners’ and educators’ well being and to enhance awareness of balancing on-screen and off-screen time well.

In the light of the Child Guarantee and to combat social exclusion and ensure equal opportunities by guaranteeing free access to education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Recommendation furthermore underlines the importance of providing digital education tools, as well as high speed connectivity, digital services and adequate equipment.