Are European regions on the right track to achieve the 2030 strategic education and training targets? A comprehensive performance assessment

This paper focuses on the comprehensive assessment of regional performance in attaining the 2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training (ET2030) established by the European Union. To this end, we propose a composite indicator framework based on robust Benefit-of-the-doubt models empirically validated through an extensive analysis of data spanning 32 countries and 101 NUTS-I level regions for 2019. We integrate contextual variables into a robust conditional model to ensure an equitable evaluation among regions grappling with distinct circumstances. Specifically, the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population holding national citizenship are considered. Moreover, the research identifies best practices from high-performing regions that can serve as benchmarks for underperforming areas. Analyzing regional-level data is crucial for understanding disparities between European regions and within countries. • The Education Systems’ performance of European Regions is explored. • A robust conditional benefit-of-the-doubt composite indicator is estimated. • Disparities in performance among regions of the same country are discussed. • The goals of the 2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training are explored. • Implications of the results are discussed in terms of national education policies.