Italy is among the countries that cut more in education and training

Resources in steady decline, reductions on all levels – from primary school to vocational training. We are among the worst together with Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania

In Europe, member states decrease expenses for education and training. And our country is still there, in the front row among those in which the highest cuts are recorded. From 2008 to 2011 in 16 EU countries, resources earmarked for young people for education and vocational integration declined, with cuts more widespread especially with regard to university studies. Whereas, in most cases, the cuts made by the member states are limited to one area of education, which is that of primary, secondary, upper-secondary or vocational training, in Italy the cuts extend over all levels. This means that all levels receive fewer funds from the Italian government from elementary schools through universities, and start-up training for young people. Besides us, only Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania have extended the cuts to all levels of education. This was revealed by the last annual monitoring on education and training published yesterday by the European Commission.

In the last year, taking into account the (2012) study, the cuts actually increased in only 6 countries compared to the previous three years (2008-2011). Italy is always present. Keeping us company are: Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Another worrisome fact emerged from the Commission’s research concerning the employment rate of young people with at least a secondary education qualification: from 2008 to today, fewer and fewer young people entering the world of work can find jobs. Today, only 76% of them can find a job, additionally often in areas that require less expertise, in spite of 82% recorded in 2008.

“The value of the data provided by the annual monitoring of education and training is invaluable because it allows member states to compare themselves with others and encourages decision-makers to invest in an efficient way, to modernize education systems, and to improve the quality and results. This is essential if we want to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in life,” said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

Marco Frisone