Ensuring equal access for young people to high quality education and training at all levels and opportunities for lifelong learning is at the core of the EU Youth Strategy. Besides reinforcing their participation in formal education, the Member States and the European Commission have agreed to promote and recognise young people's engagement in non-formal and informal learning, and facilitate their transition between education and training and the labour market.

EU commitments in this field include improving the transparency and validation of skills and the recognition of qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning, promoting opportunities for young people to study and train abroad, using formal education and non-formal learning to promote cohesion and understanding across different groups in society, and supporting young people's innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

This chapter presents an overview of the main policies and initiatives taken to promote young people' participation in education and training, by describing:

6.1 General context

Main trends in young people's participation in education and training, a brief sketch of the organisation of the education and training systems, and concepts useful to understand countries' context

6.2 Administration and governance

The way policy making in the field of education and training takes place

6.3 Preventing early leaving from education and training

Main actions for tackling young people's early leaving from education and training

6.4 Validation of non-formal and informal learning

The systems available to young people to have the knowledge, skills and competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning validated, and to obtain a qualification

6.5 Cross-border learning mobility

The possibilities available to young people to study abroad, in both formal and non-formal settings

6.6 Social inclusion through education and training

How policies reinforce the role of education and training in reducing social exclusion and encouraging the development of inclusive values and attitudes amongst young people

6.7 Skills for innovation

How national authorities support young people in developing skills relevant to innovation

6.8 Media literacy and safe use of new media

Measures to help young people develop media literacy and digital competences, as well as ensure the safe use of new technologies and social media

6.9 Awareness-raising about non-formal and informal learning and quality youth work

What top-level authorities do to promote the value of non-formal and informal learning, achieved also through youth work

6.10 Current debates and reforms

Brief information on emerging policy developments