Survey finds adult skills have declined or stagnated in the last decade

Following a first edition in 2013, the comprehensive survey presented today assessed the literacy, numeracy and problem-solving ICT skills of adults aged 16-65 in 20 Member States  as well as third countries such as Japan and the US. The findings demonstrate the importance of developing and using skills to improve employment prospects, quality of life and boost economic growth. 

Despite efforts to strengthen education and adult training over the last decade, adult literacy declined in seven Member States, only significantly improving in Finland and Denmark, while only Finland, Estonia, Denmark and the Netherlands made progress in numeracy skills. The survey also shows that skills inequalities between lowest- and best-performing adults have widened within countries, especially in literacy.  

Skills remain a priority for the European Commission. To address the labour and skills shortages, the new Commission is committed to developing an overarching strategy under the Union of Skills. The Commission continues to support the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways and the Council Recommendation on Individual learning accounts, including through numerous projects funded by EU funds.