Education

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Despite the fact that there are no EU laws and directives in the sector of education, this area remains a very important one for the European Union because providing good quality education is directly linked with economic growth and social cohesion of a country. This is why the EU has developed a number of initiatives to help EU countries modernise their education sectors.

The European Union has been working hard to create the conditions for a more competitive economy with higher employment. In order to achieve this goal, it adopted the Europe 2020 strategy, which is about delivering growth through more effective investments in education, research and innovation. This strategy is also inclusive, with a strong emphasis on job creation and poverty reduction. The strategy is focused on five ambitious goals in the areas of employment, innovation, education, poverty reduction and climate/energy.

Within the EU 2020 strategy, Education and Training has differentiated as an important part. Consequently, the Education and Training 2020 (ET 2020) strategy was developed. Its main objectives are:

lifelong learning and mobility
improving the quality and efficiency of education and training
promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship
enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training.‚Through its strategic document, the Republic of Serbia is sharing these important objectives.

Serbia has joined the process of modernising its education sector according to European and global trends. Since 2003, the EU has donated €71 million for the reform of the education sector, at all levels. From pre-school and elementary level, to vocational education and training, secondary schools, as well as the higher education and adult education, the EU has been Serbia’s main partner when it comes to financing new school equipment, developing new curricula and introducing new professional standards. In all the mentioned areas and through all EU funded projects, priority was given to the quality assurance, social inclusion and training of teachers.

There are many success stories to tell: the EU has helped to develop inclusive education, introduce pedagogical assistants, establish adult education systems in schools, refurbish many schools and faculty buildings as well as building new kindergartens in underprivileged areas.

Currently the EU is running projects aimed at assisting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development to develop a National Curriculum framework, a sustainable teacher training programme, further encourage vocational education reform and introduce the National Qualification Framework.

The EU will continue being Serbia’s main partner in this sector by providing financial and technical assistance to strengthen education reform according to Serbia’s education strategy and related action plans.