In July 2025, the European Commission published the Interim evaluation of the 2021-2030 European Education Area strategic framework. The evaluation of the European Education Area (EEA) points to the early positive results achieved by the European Commission and member states, specifically, setting quantifiable targets and in cooperating on shared priorities, and proposes areas for further improvement. 
 
With the number of initiatives in motion, the interim evaluation showcases the progress made in higher education, especially in relation to mobility, inclusive and digital education, and in reinforcing higher education through structural and sustainable cooperation pathways. The European Universities initiative was reported to have provided a strong European dimension to education and training and to have accelerated discussions of higher education harmonisation and national reforms. The increased cooperation between member states proved exceptionally useful during crises, as evidenced in the Covid 19 pandemic.  
 
The report also cites remaining challenges hampering national and regional coordination. One challenge lies in the fragmented approach to cross-sectorial coordination and the informal nature of the governance model, which is composed of a voluntary high-level group on education and training and a coordination board. The second challenge is in evidence-based policy making, as it relates to difficulties in tracking reforms and defining targets for longstanding priorities, which largely hampers the collection and application of evidence.  

Finally, the interim report calls to update the previously set priorities, strengthen cross sectoral cooperation, and develop better evidence-collecting mechanisms. As far as proposed strategic priorities, the report suggests the addition of lifelong learning as a horizontal priority, as well as the addition of citizenship education. Flagship initiatives toward higher education, including the STEM Education Strategic Plan (for details, see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, May 2025) and the European degree label (for details, see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, May 2025), were highlighted as successful ways to promote and support national reforms and systemic impact. To assist national stakeholders in the coming years, the report introduces the development of an EU level toolbox, which will provide funding for reform projects, curated national support, various tools for peer learning and counselling, and more. The interim report also proposes that the Council set targets for citizenship education and equity. The interim evaluation will inform Council deliberations ahead of its second, 2026-2030 cycle, which includes EU-level priorities, targets, and governance.