Key facts
- In 2025, 9.1% of young people aged 18-24 in the EU left education early.
- Romania reported a high proportion of early school leavers.
- Germany reported a high proportion of early school leavers.
- Spain reported a high proportion of early school leavers.
- Croatia had the lowest proportion of early school leavers.
- The EU aims to reduce the early school leaver rate to below 9% by 2030.
In 2025, 9.1% of young people aged 18-24 across the European Union departed from the education system before completing their studies. Among the member states, Romania, Germany, and Spain reported the highest proportions of early school leavers. Conversely, Croatia registered the lowest rate of individuals leaving education prematurely. The European Union has established a strategic objective to reduce the overall early school leaver rate to below 9% by the year 2030. This target is part of broader educational goals aimed at improving skill levels and opportunities for young citizens within the bloc.