The contribution of European funds to education and training

While governments are competent and responsible for education and training, the European Union also has a role to play. Concerned that there should be no imbalance between member states, that the level of education in Europe should be maintained and that economic growth and employment should be improved, the European Union assists countries. It sets up various financial mechanisms to support these sectors, and encourages cooperation and the exchange of best practices between member states.

Let’s take a closer look at how education and training projects benefit from European funding, by exploring a few emblematic programs.

The European Social Fund +: a driving force for education and employment

Created in 1957, the European Social Fund + (ESF +) is co-financed by the EU and member states. One of its main missions is to promote employment and improve the skills of workers in all member countries. The ESF+ operates in a number of fields related to education and training, such as :

• Combating school drop-out,
• Access to quality vocational training,
• Support for job-seekers or those wishing to start their own business,
• Socio-professional integration of disadvantaged groups.

The fund finances initial and continuing training projects in a variety of settings (schools, training centers, companies, public bodies, etc.). It also participates in the development of educational policies, contributing to the improvement of training systems and the exchange of best practices between member countries.

In France, the “Employment, Youth, Inclusion and Skills” program provides funding:

• Helping workers and companies adapt to economic change
• Encouraging people to return to and remain in employment,
• Integrating disadvantaged people,
• Combating discrimination in employment.

Erasmus+: a leading program for student and professional mobility

The Erasmus+ program is probably the best-known European funding scheme in the field of education. Launched in 1987, it aims to promote international cooperation and mobility for students, teachers and education staff. Since 2014, Erasmus+ has also included the youth, vocational training, informal and non-formal education and sport sectors.

Key Erasmus+ actions

Erasmus+ is structured around three key actions:

1. Mobility of individuals: this action aims to support the mobility of students, apprentices, teaching staff and education and training professionals. Beneficiaries can follow a university course, carry out an internship or take part in a teaching or training assignment abroad.
2. Cooperation for innovation and exchange of best practices: this action encourages the establishment of strategic partnerships involving organizations from different European countries, in order to develop innovative projects or exchange best practices.
3. Support for the reform of education policies: this action provides funding for projects to modernize and improve education and training systems, in line with the priorities defined by the EU.

The impact of Erasmus+ on educational pathways

Over the 30 years of its existence, the Erasmus+ program has offered millions of students the chance to enjoy an enriching academic and cultural experience in another European country. This has enabled participants to develop their linguistic, intercultural and professional skills, a considerable asset for their integration into the job market. In addition, the links forged between the partner universities and research centers have helped reinforce the quality and relevance of the training courses on offer.

Local initiatives to support education and training

In addition to the above-mentioned programs, it should be noted that European funds can also be mobilized through schemes specific to certain regions. These include :

• Regional Operational Programs (ROPs), financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and/or the ESF, which can support actions promoting access to education and training in less-developed regions.
• European territorial cooperation programs (Interreg), which encourage cross-border, transnational and interregional collaboration in various fields, including education and training.

In a nutshell: a comprehensive and diversified approach to supporting education and training

Through the many programs and initiatives described above, European funds contribute to the development and evolution of education and training in member countries. In this way, they help to enrich educational pathways, improve citizens’ professional skills and build a more promising future for all.