Europe’s competitiveness push reaches the classroom
Renew Europe welcomes the Education and Skills Package presented today by the European Commission. The package aims to strengthen basic skills, help pupils use artificial intelligence safely and critically, improve working conditions for teachers and expand vocational training.
The Commission is asking EU countries to improve pupils’ skills in reading, maths, science, digital technology and learning how to take part in democratic life. From 2027, Erasmus+ will support European School Alliances, bringing schools and education authorities in different countries together, with a joint plan and measurable goals. The Commission aims to create up to 100 new alliances a year, subject to decisions on the next EU budget. In October, Parliament backed a Renew Europe initiative calling for lasting school partnerships and wider access to exchanges for pupils and teachers.
“The Commission’s package gives each European School Alliance a clear task: work with partners across Europe to improve at least one basic skill. Teachers should have the time and tools to test new approaches together and share what works. We want these partnerships to provide more mobility opportunities and strengthen citizenship education, critical thinking and media literacy. That is how European cooperation can raise standards in the classroom and prepare young people to play an active part in our democracies. In order to succeed, the Alliances need the strong backing of our Member States. We are looking forward to the next concrete steps for the pilot in Erasmus+.”
MEP Hristo PetrovVice-Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education
The Commission plans to pilot an AI Literacy Certificate for pupils aged 15 in the 2027/28 school year. Eight EU countries are working together to develop secure digital tools for schools, and the Commission plans to propose a European Healthy Screens Pledge to help schools and families manage screen time and keep children safe online. To address teacher shortages, the EU Teachers Agenda calls for better working conditions and career prospects. From 2027, renewed Erasmus+ Teacher Academies will support new teachers and school leaders.
“Renew Europe welcomes the Education and Skills Package and its focus on preparing young people for a world shaped by AI. AI literacy will affect how they work, learn and take part in society. They need the judgement to question answers generated by AI, recognise the technology’s limits and decide when to use it. The proposed AI Literacy Certificate is a chance to bring those skills into the classroom.”
MEP Laurence FarrengRenew Europe coordinator in the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education
The European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training will pilot short courses developed with employers in 2027. From 2028, businesses and training providers will work together to set up training centres. The strategy will also make it easier for apprentices and other learners to find training abroad.
“I warmly welcome the European VET Strategy and its recognition that making vocational education and training more attractive is essential for Europe’s future competitiveness and prosperity. I am particularly pleased to see VET placed firmly at the heart of the EU’s research and innovation agenda, strengthening the links between skills, applied research and industry. This is exactly the connection Europe needs to turn research into real-world impact. I am also delighted that the strategy explicitly recognises the importance of improving skills recognition, drawing inspiration from WorldSkills and EuroSkills occupational standards. These set practical benchmarks for professional skills in trades such as renewable energy technicians, mechatronics specialists and industrial electricians. This was an important demand from Renew.”
MEP Brigitte van den BergParliament’s rapporteur on boosting skills in the Union
Renew Europe looks forward to further details on how these ambitions will translate into concrete actions, ensuring that the proposed initiatives deliver tangible benefits for pupils, teachers and schools across Europe.
