"This policy builds on the  European Commission initiatives  on  'Investing  in  Europe's Youth', emphasising  the  importance  of  opening  up new  opportunities  for  young  people, and also on the 'New Skills Agenda for Europe', also in light of the fact that education plays a critical role in the European Pillar of Social Rights. This policy is part of a package of  initiatives  addressing  schools,  higher  education  and  graduate  tracking, that responds  to  the European  Council  Conclusions  of  December  2016 and is also supportive  of  UN  Sustainable Development Goal no 4 on education."

"This policy intends for the European Commission to complement actions taken by the Member States aimed at i) developing better and more inclusive schools, ii) supporting teachers and school leaders for excellent teaching and learning,  and, iii) governance of school education systems: becoming more effective, equitable and efficient. In particular, as far as i) is concerned, the European Commission will support improvements in school level education in science, technologies, engineering and maths (STEM) by promoting best practice in developing links and cooperation of higher education, research, businesses with schools at EU level and effectively addressing gender gaps and stereotypes in STEM, using the Erasmus+ Programme."