The European Commission has put forward a comprehensive education and skills package aimed at reversing the decline in basic skills and improving the way digital tools and artificial intelligence are used in education across the bloc. Framed around the premise that fifteen-year-old learners like Gabriel need learning opportunities to reach their full potential and best contribute to society, and that the Europe of tomorrow is being built in the classrooms and training centres of today, the initiative is adapted to changing labour market needs and will begin implementation on 20 November at the 2026 European Education and Skills Summit.
The package focuses on four priorities to reshape learning: raising achievement in basic skills, harnessing digital and AI tools for education, strengthening the teaching profession, and improving vocational education and training (VET).
European School Alliances and Advisory Networks
To reverse the decline in basic skills, the package includes concrete initiatives such as European school alliances that will bring schools and school authorities from different EU countries together, and an EU network of advisory and support services that will connect national and regional services. Finally, the package contains a new VET strategy to support learners in getting the necessary skills to drive innovation and growth.
Recommendations to Strengthen the Teaching Profession
The package also includes recommendations on how to make the teaching profession more attractive and address teacher shortages through better working conditions, stronger training and professional development, and by empowering teachers in the use of AI.
Council Adopts Proposals Ahead of Summit Launch
Meanwhile, the Council is now invited to examine and adopt the concrete proposals in the package. On 20 November, the Commission will host the 2026 European Education and Skills Summit to formally launch implementation of the package alongside EU countries and relevant stakeholders.
Related reading