What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to discuss the challenges of early school leaving in the EU and propose solutions through educational policy revisions.

February 22, 2026Open Access

Early school leaving in the EU: main concerns and possible actions from the EU institutions

Key Points

The aim is to discuss the challenges of early school leaving in the EU and propose solutions through educational policy revisions.
Presentation by Cedefop's expert during an online meeting.
Examination of past Cedefop publications on vocational education and training (VET).
Analysis of the impact of educational policies on early leaving.
Identified main causes of early school leaving in the EU.
Discussed effective vocational training interventions that reduce early leaving rates.
Outlined the role of EU institutions in policymaking to support education.

Abstract

Presentation by Cedefop's expert Irene Psifiou at the Spring Meeting of the Commission on Culture and Education (COMECE) held online on 16/05/2025. Related publications Cedefop. (2013). Keeping young people in (vocational) education: what works? . Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/53534 Cedefop. (2015). Vocational education and training prevents and counteracts early leaving from the education system. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/135703 Cedefop. (2015). Vocational pedagogies and benefits for learners: practices and challenges in Europe. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. DOI: 10. 2801/294434 Cedefop. (2016). Leaving education early: putting vocational education and training centre stage. Volume I: investigating causes and extent. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. DOI: 10. 2801/893397 Cedefop. (2016). Leaving education early: putting vocational education and training centre stage. Volume II: evaluating policy impact. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. DOI: 10. 2801/967263 Cedefop. (2016). Mainstreaming VET policies addressing early leaving from education and training. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/035094 Cedefop. (2016). Professional development for VET teachers and trainers. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/37482 Cedefop. (2019). Preventing low skills through lifelong learning. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/285942 Cedefop. (2020). Digital gap during COVID-19 for VET learners at risk in Europe. Synthesis report on seven countries based on preliminary information provided by Cedefop’s Network of Ambassadors tackling early leaving from VET. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop synthesis report. https: //www. cedefop. europa. eu/files/digitalgapduringcovid-19. pdf Cedefop. (2022). Empowering teachers and trainers to manage change. Cedefop briefing note, October 2022. DOI: 10. 2801/378686 Cedefop. (2022). Teachers and trainers in a changing world: building up competences for inclusive, green and digitalised vocational education and training (VET): synthesis report. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 86. DOI: 10. 2801/53769 Cedefop. (2022). Vocational education and training as a life jacket. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop briefing note. DOI: 10. 2801/1016 Cedefop. (2023). Stemming the tide: tackling early leaving from vocational education and training in times of crises: synthesis report of Cedefop/ReferNet survey. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. DOI: 10. 2801/757603 Related online tools VET toolkit for empowering NEETs. Source of support to young people not in employment, education or training. VET toolkit for tackling early leaving. Source of support to policy makers and education and training providers.

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