On the occasion of the International Day of Education, the European Union reaffirms its ongoing commitment to advancing the education sector in Kosovo. Since 2007, the EU has invested over EUR 85 million in initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of the education system for all communities in Kosovo. These efforts aim to provide students and academia in Kosovo with opportunities comparable to those in the EU, while also contributing to knowledge-driven economic development and job creation.

The EU’s comprehensive support spans all levels of education, from early childhood education to vocational training (VET) and higher education. This investment has not only enhanced educational infrastructure but also strengthened the policy framework governing education in Kosovo, improved the quality of teaching materials and textbooks, promoted digital learning, and supported the inclusion of vulnerable groups.As part of the broader EU for Employment and Education Program, the EU has supported the construction of new faculty premises for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences worth EUR 8.9 million, marking one of the many key infrastructure projects across Kosovo. To date, the EU has financed the construction of new schools and the refurbishment of over 20 educational facilities, significantly improving learning environments. Additionally, energy efficiency upgrades in more than 60 schools across Kosovo have reduced energy consumption by up to 30%, underscoring the EU’s commitment to sustainability. Major school construction projects are currently underway in Prizren and Ferizaj/Uroševac, and schools such as Primary School “Dardania” in Prishtinë/Priština have been fully refurbished with EU funding, providing students and teachers with modern, safe spaces to thrive.

One of the key initiatives in improving Kosovo’s education system is the Support to Basic and Upper Secondary Education (KosEd) project, which focuses on teacher development, recruitment, and the quality of textbooks. With over 1,000 teachers engaged, KosEd will directly impact 21% of Kosovo’s schools by June 2025. This project has supported the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation) in launching five transformative Administrative Instructions to reshape Teacher Professional Development . It has also addressed recruitment challenges by introducing a merit-based Regulation on Selection Procedures in July 2024, ensuring standardised and transparent recruitment processes across municipalities. Furthermore, KosEd has contributed to the enhancement of textbook quality, producing 38 detailed reviews of Albanian language and mathematics textbooks for grades 1-8 and providing training to 200 teachers in textbook review and improvement.

In parallel, the EU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive education system is reflected in the achievements of the INCLUDE project, implemented in partnership with the Council of Europe. While KosEd focuses on strengthening teacher development and educational resources, the INCLUDE project has made strides in ensuring equal access to education for members of non-majority communities. Over 490 school professionals have been trained to better support diverse student needs, including those from Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities. Additionally, the project has provided mentoring to over 600 upper-secondary students and tutoring to more than 100 students, helping them improve academic performance and stay engaged in education, while also guiding them in career development.

In the area of vocational education, the EU has modernized curricula, aligned them with labour market needs, and supported on-the-job training. The EU has also worked to establish a tracking system for VET graduates while ensuring that qualifications align with the European Qualifications Framework.

Kosovo’s participation in the Erasmus+ program has expanded significantly. Since the establishment of the Kosovo Erasmus+ Office in 2014, nearly 10,000 students and staff have participated in mobility exchanges, and more than 50 Master’s scholarships have been awarded. Between 2015 and 2024, Kosovo’s higher education institutions secured 75 capacity-building projects and 11 institutions have received the Erasmus Charters for Higher Education, further strengthening Kosovo’s participation into European educational networks.

The EU proudly supports the “Young Cell Scheme”, a flagship scholarship program co-funded by the EU and Kosovo. Since 2004, it has enabled around 500 young Kosovars to pursue higher education at top EU universities. These graduates have returned with advanced skills to strengthen Kosovo’s public administration and its European path. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the scheme reflects the EU’s commitment to empowering future leaders and building a brighter future for Kosovo.