EU sets 2030 target to cut weak 15-year-old results below 15% as one in three struggles

Basic skills at the centre of the package

The European Commission presented its Education and Skills package in Brussels on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in response to weaker basic skills among young Europeans. The package rests on the PISA 2025 results, which show that roughly one in three 15-year-olds in the EU has insufficient results in maths and reading. The Commission's figures put 33.9% of pupils below the minimum level in maths, 31.3% in reading and 25.9% in science.

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights Roxana Mînzatu presented the package and argued that education should sit at the centre and top of the EU agenda. She linked the weak results to competitiveness, democratic resilience and Europe's preparedness. Her proposals include detecting learning difficulties early, offering personalised reinforcement classes and extending teaching time where needed.

Mathematics33.9%

Reading31.3%

Science25.9%

Mathematics

33.9 %

Reading

31.3 %

Science

25.9 %

Data from the article text

Targets for 2030

The package sets goals for 2030. The share of 15-year-olds with weak results in reading, maths and science should fall below 15%, and the share of eighth-graders with weak computer and information literacy should also drop below 15%. Member states are also aiming for at least 12% of 15-year-olds to be top performers in reading, maths and science, and for at least 25% of disadvantaged pupils to achieve good results in at least one of those subjects. The Commission asks member states to make these objectives a national priority, to set out how they plan to reach them and to monitor progress through the European Semester. The recommendations will be examined by the 27 member states but are not binding, because member states keep responsibility for education.

School alliances and AI tools

The Commission proposes 100 new European School Alliances each year starting in 2028. These are long-term, cross-border partnerships between schools and school authorities in different member states, each choosing at least one of five core competences: reading and writing, maths, science, digital skills and civic skills. Participants will compare results and share methods that work, including for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each alliance may receive a grant of one million euros. Four schools in Buzău and Vâlcea counties in Romania already take part in the pilot phase, which is financed with 20 million euros through Erasmus+.

On artificial intelligence, the Commission plans a European certificate in AI literacy for 15-year-olds, with a pilot due in the 2027/2028 school year alongside common assessment criteria adapted to age. An initiative on healthy screen use is in preparation and will offer recommendations to schools, parents and pupils on online safety and on balancing digital and offline activities. A consortium to build digital education infrastructure, including AI tools considered safe, was set up on 3 November.

Teachers and vocational training

Teacher shortages are another central concern. The Commission suggests a European Agenda for Teachers focused on better working conditions, stronger initial and continuing training and a lighter administrative burden. From 2027, the Teacher Academies 2.0 programme will give special attention to early-career teachers and school leaders, and Erasmus+ will support partnerships between schools in different member states from the same year. The Commission's document argues that AI should preserve the role of teachers and human interaction. The package also includes a European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training for 2026-2030, intended to bring training closer to labour market needs.

Romania's position

Romania ranks among the countries with the weakest results. According to the latest PISA figures cited in the Commission document, 52% of Romanian 15-year-olds do not reach the minimum level in maths and 48% do not reach it in reading. Romanian schools and vocational institutions could benefit from the new international partnerships and alliances. A European support and advisory network for schools is also being prepared and could become operational in the first quarter of 2027.