© Unsplash
The European Union's target aims for 45% of the EU population aged 25 through 35 to have tertiary education by the year 2030.
Last year, the EU population within the target age group experienced an increase of one percentage point in regards to tertiary education. The increase from 41% to 42% still falls three percentage points short of the EU's target of 45% for 2030.
© Eurostat
Gender disparity in tertiary education is evident among the European population. Within the age group (25-35) 48% of women have tertiary education compared to 37% of men.
Almost half of the countries within the European Union have already reached the 2030 target level for tertiary education.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has already surpassed the target level set by the EU for 2030. In fact, Luxembourg has the second highest score, with 61% of the 25 to 35 year old population in possession of a tertiary education. Luxembourg is only out-ranked by Ireland who scores one percentage point higher at 62%.
© Eurostat
Other countries that have already met the European Union's target for tertiary education include Cyprus (59%), Lithuania (58%), the Netherlands (56%), Sweden (52%), Belgium and Spain (both with 51%), France (50%), Denmark (49%), Slovenia (47%), Latvia (46%) and Greece at the target average of 45%.
The EU countries which recorded the lowest shares were Romania (25%), Italy (29%) and Hungary (32%).
