Early leaving from education and training (ELET) remains a major challenge for Europe. The EU has made significant progress in reducing early leaving, but persistent differences across countries, regions and population groups show that further action is needed.
ELET is no longer solely a question of equity and social inclusion. It is also a challenge for Europe’s skills and competitiveness ambitions. Young people who leave education and training without an upper-secondary qualification face a higher risk of unemployment, precarious employment and poverty, while being less well positioned to benefit from changing labour market opportunities and growing demand for skills.
