On February 14th, we had the honor to co-organise this significant policy event at the European Parliament. The event brought together policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders to explore the critical role of Freedom of Education in fortifying democracies. The other co-organisers were EMIE (European Meeting of Independent Education), CEU-CEFAS (Centre for Studies, Training and Social Analysis), ECNAIS (European Council of National Associations of Independent Schools), and EPP (European People’s Party).

Discussions in the event emphasized preconditions for educational freedom, including a legal framework for diverse settings, curriculum autonomy, and public funding for all schools. Research highlighted a positive correlation between higher educational freedom and increased life satisfaction, as well as improved wealth distribution (Gini index). Notably, MEP Ilčić Ladislav and EC Policy Officer Annalisa Cannoni acknowledged the positive societal outcomes associated with greater educational freedom.

OIDEL’s director underscored Freedom of Education as crucial for cohesive democracies, drawing from recent research “Educational Freedom Improves Equity and Reduces Economic Inequalities” by CEFAS and OIDEL.

To the full report:
https://cefas.ceu.es/en/informe-libertad-educativa-mundo-educacion-familia/?fbclid=IwAR3P0pbwLfmXz1e8GyXc3H4ewbsq9sO_IeFSsbm6uFN0p0BWPZHWXYIECDg