Every student in Europe should have the chance to master the basic skills that open doors to learning, new opportunities, and a confident future. Literacy, mathematics, science, digital skills and citizenship are more than school subjects – they are the foundations of lifelong learning, employability, civic participation and personal growth. However, recent international assessments reveal an increasing number of students in Europe who complete compulsory education without reaching the expected levels of basic skills. This Eurydice report analyses how 37 education systems across Europe are tackling underachievement in basic skills”. It focuses on policies adopted or implemented since the 2020/2021 school year. Access the report. Details Publication date22 October 2025AuthorEuropean Education and Culture Executive Agency