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Academic freedom is widely recognised as a fundamental value of contemporary higher education and research, and as a prerequisite for well-functioning democratic societies. However, in recent years, major concerns have been expressed by various stakeholders about the state of academic freedom in the European Union. The European Parliament annual Academic Freedom Monitor aims to improve the promotion and protection of academic freedom in the EU. The 2025 edition is organised in two parts. The first ...

EU funding for culture, media, education, youth and sport in 2021–27 is wide-ranging, yet instruments directly focused on these areas (Erasmus+, Creative Europe and CERV) represent under 3% of the MFF. Most support comes from broader programmes such as ESF+ and Horizon. Erasmus+, ESC, Creative Europe and CERV show clear EU added value. Implementing simplification and synergies remain key items on the agenda. For 2028–2034, the Commission is proposing consolidated instruments such as Erasmus+ and ...

In accordance with the subsidiarity principle, education policies are decided at the level of the individual Member States. The role of the EU is therefore mainly a supporting and coordinating one. The main objectives of Union action in the field of education include encouraging mobility of students and staff, fostering mutual recognition of diplomas and periods of study, and promoting cooperation between higher education institutions[1].

The freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services are cornerstones of the single market, enabling the mobility of businesses and professionals throughout the EU. In order to implement these freedoms, diplomas and qualifications issued nationally need to be widely recognised. Various measures for harmonisation and mutual recognition have been adopted for this purpose.

The European Union (EU) considers language learning an important priority as part of its efforts to promote mobility and intercultural understanding. It views multilingualism as an important element of Europe’s competitiveness and funds numerous programmes and projects in this area. One of the objectives of the EU’s language policy is therefore for every citizen to master two languages besides their mother tongue.

This European implementation assessment supports the European Parliament's implementation report on the EU Youth Strategy (EUYS) 2019-2027 prepared by the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT). Part I of this study examines recent European Commission developments on the EUYS, Parliament's oversight of the EUYS, and the results of consultations. Part II of the study examines EUYS implementation at the EU level and in six selected Member States, drawing on the most recent ...

Youth is a national policy area. EU action is therefore aimed at supporting and complementing Member State action. Cooperation at EU level is based on the principles of active participation and equal access to opportunities. Under the current framework, namely the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027), work centres around three main areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower. Each is pursued through dedicated initiatives – Engage via the EU Youth Dialogue, Connect through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity ...

In accordance with the subsidiarity principle, primary responsibility for vocational education and training policies lies with the Member States, with the European Union having only a supporting role. However, some challenges are common to all Member States – green and digital transitions, skills shortages and mismatches in the labour market – and thus call for joint responses, with countries working together and learning from each other.

The IA underpins the proposals establishing the AgoraEU, Erasmus+ and Justice programmes (2028-2034). It refers to Better Regulation Tool #9 which acknowledges that 'the special case of preparing a new MFF is a unique process requiring a specific approach as regards scope and depth of analysis'. In addition, it explains that, as 'the structure of the next MFF will significantly differ from the current one, budget assumptions for each programme are unreliable at this stage', and the assessment is ...

Quantum technologies are developing rapidly. They have extensive uses in secure communications, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, defence and security, and space, and may bring about a change of paradigm in technological capabilities. Their economic and strategic value makes them a high priority for EU strategic autonomy. The new Quantum Europe Strategy intends to establish the EU as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. This paper explores the potential paths the EU can take to establish ...