Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 14, No 5 (2018)

Abstract

The paper points out the great disparities between EU Member States related to education. The analysis covers NUTS1 and NUTS2 regions and uses the latest official statistical data. This analysis is focused on seven representative indicators: pupils and students in all levels of education; participation rate of 4-years-old in education; pupils and students in upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education; students in tertiary education; tertiary educational attainment; pupils in primary and lower secondary education; and early leavers from education and training. The scientific approach is built on two levels: a comparative analysis and a regression analysis, in order to quantify trends, levels and disparities in education. A distinct part of the paper deals with Romanian educational system. The main conclusion of the paper is that the educational system supports the regional disparities across the EU. Unfortunately, there are not solutions in decreasing these disparities on short and medium terms.