Story perspectives

EU Tertiary Education Hits 44.1%, Italy Struggles

9/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

The EU's tertiary education attainment rate rose to 44.1% in 2024, approaching the 2030 target of 45%.
Ireland (65.2%), Luxembourg (63.8%), and Cyprus (60.1%) lead in attainment rates; Romania (23.2%), Italy (31.6%), and Hungary (32.3%) lag behind.
Italy's graduation rates have declined, ranking second-to-last in the EU.
Women achieve higher tertiary education rates at 49.8%, compared to 38.6% for men.
Low educational attainment in Italy threatens its economic competitiveness and innovation.

History

Historical Context

The Europe 2020 strategy, launched by the European Union in 2010, aimed for 40% of young adults to achieve tertiary education by 2020. By 2024, the attainment rate reached 44.1%, with Ireland and Luxembourg leading. This initiative reflects ongoing trends in workforce development and highlights disparities, particularly Italy's declining rates, which threaten its economic competitiveness and necessitate targeted educational reforms.

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Story summary

The EU's tertiary education attainment rate rose to 44.1% in 2024, approaching the 2030 target of 45%.
Ireland (65.2%), Luxembourg (63.8%), and Cyprus (60.1%) lead in attainment rates; Romania (23.2%), Italy (31.6%), and Hungary (32.3%) lag behind.
Italy's graduation rates have declined, ranking second-to-last in the EU.
Women achieve higher tertiary education rates at 49.8%, compared to 38.6% for men.
Low educational attainment in Italy threatens its economic competitiveness and innovation.

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