The Education and Training Monitor is the European Commission’s annual report that tracks how EU countries are progressing toward EU-level targets in education and training. It includes a comparative report, 27 country reports, and an online Monitor Toolbox with key indicators and data.
The 2024 edition focuses on learning for sustainability. It builds on the 2022 Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition and sustainable development. This priority follows the 2021 Council Resolution on the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training toward the European Education Area (EEA). It also continues previous thematic focuses on equity (2022) and the teaching profession (2023).
Learning for Sustainability
Chapter 1 explores how education systems across the EU are supporting the development of sustainability competencies. These are holistic, interdisciplinary abilities that combine knowledge, skills, values, and actions aimed at achieving sustainable development.
The chapter shows that while most young people embrace sustainability values—with 83.6% agreeing on the need for lifestyle changes—only 29.8% act on these beliefs in daily life. Foundational knowledge also varies widely between countries and across socio-economic groups.
Many EU education systems include sustainability in their curricula, often through cross-curricular approaches. However, key competencies like futures literacy, systems thinking, and political agency are still not consistently addressed. Teachers also report a lack of training and support to teach sustainability effectively.
Schools often involve students in sustainability-related activities. Yet, these tend to focus on low-impact actions such as waste sorting rather than engaging with more complex sustainability challenges.
In a Nutshell
Helping young people contribute to a sustainable future requires more than raising awareness. Education systems must bridge the gap between knowledge and action. They need to equip all learners with the skills, confidence, and support to lead the green transition.
Read the full chapter and explore the 2024 Education and Training Monitor here.