Janevska: EU recognizes progress in education and science

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said the European Commission has noted progress in education. At the panel discussion “European Commission Report for 2026 – Progress and Reforms,” held today at the Government, she recalled that two and a half years ago she had called for an end to what she described as a real decline in education. According to Janevska, that decline has been halted. She stressed that the European Commission’s assessment matters because education is one of the pillars of the state.

According to the minister, the report reflects concrete results from reforms and positive trends in several areas of education. She highlighted the strengthening of the regulatory and strategic framework, the expansion of the network of regional vocational education and training centers, and increases in vocational education enrollment and cooperation with companies. Janevska also mentioned the development of the validation system, the promotion of inclusive education and the digitalization of teaching.

Janevska said the documents needed to implement legal measures that enable progress have been adopted. Among them, she listed the Education Strategy 2026–2032 and the Smart Specialization Strategy and Action Plan, which she described as very important for economic development. According to the minister, the planned steps are being completed at a rapid pace.

She said more than 75 percent of the measures set out in the new Action Plan have been completed. Janevska also emphasized the importance of the Law on Adult Education. She said a lifelong learning system for adults has been established, meeting a need in the country, while the Adult Education Center is beginning to function effectively. According to her, the earlier vision is proving workable.

The minister said more than 70% of secondary school students choose vocational education. One-third of them attend dual-education classes, which combine school lessons with practical training at an employer. She added that the number of participating companies continues to grow and now exceeds 1,000. According to Janevska, 8 regional vocational education centers are operating, more than the number mentioned in the Report.

Speaking about inclusion in education, Janevska said there are more than 1,600 educational assistants in primary education. For the first time, around 200 assistants have also been engaged in secondary education to support children with special educational needs.

She said the number of Roma mediators continues to grow. According to the minister, school dropout remains an issue, but it is lower than in previous years thanks to continued work with children and parents.