Key Data on Education in Europe combines statistical data and qualitative information to provide an
exceptionally wide-ranging overview of the organisation and functioning of European education systems, as well as an insight into the ways in which the countries concerned are responding to common challenges in education. This seventh edition appears in the context of a very severe economic, social and financial crisis, which is one of the most important challenges the EU has ever faced. In preparing the grounds for recovery as well as ensuring long-term economic and social stability, and in a context where education represents almost 11 % of EU public expenditure, it remains more than ever essential to ensure that this expenditure is efficiently and equitably spent. In this context, for example, demographic change should be seen as an opportunity to assess what changes are needed to ensure efficient, effective and equitable Lifelong Learning systems in these new circumstances.