School, early school leaving for the first time below the European average

For the first time, Italia has a school drop-out rate below the European average. The data recently published by EUROSTAT for 2025 on early school leaving in Europe are extremely positive for our country. Italia stands at 8.2 per cent, below the EU average of 9.1 per cent, with better results than countries such as Germany, at 13.1 per cent, and Finland, at 9.9 per cent. The European target of a 9% dispersion rate by 2030 is even exceeded five years in advance.

The figure is particularly significant due to the international comparison: while school drop-out rates are clearly decreasing in Italia, the opposite trend is observed in other European countries, starting with Germany. This is a historic result for the national education system that confirms the effectiveness of the measures taken and lays the foundations for further positive developments in the coming years.

The European Commission's recent Joint Employment report based on EUROSTAT data recognises, among other things, the importance of Agenda Sud as good practice. "For the first time, early school leaving falls below the European average. From 2023 to 2025 we have given prospects and opportunities back to half a million young people. It is an extraordinary goal that also involves regions such as Calabria, Puglia and Campania, which today for the first time record better results than those of major European countries such as Germany. There has also been a significant reduction in early school leaving in Sicily and Sardinia.

The measures we have introduced, from Agenda Sud to the Caivano decree, together with the personalisation of educational pathways thanks to the tutor teacher, are making a significant contribution to combating school drop-out, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the right to study. Special thanks to the Italian school teachers who have contributed to the achievement of this historic result," said the Minister of Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara.