"We have to invest more and more effectively in human resources": this is the conclusion drawn by the Education Commissioner Ján Figel’ about the Yearly Report on the progress made in the area of education under the Lisbon Strategy. The Report is drawn up every year and covers five key indicators to see whether the educational systems are oriented to increasing the European Union’s economic competitiveness based on knowledge, research and the promotion of professional resources. "Unfortunately, the new Report states Figel’ shows that the EU countries must double their efforts to make European education keep up with the challenges of the twenty-first century". The first negative point concerns the fact "there are still too many young people who drop out of school". In 2006, for instance, six million people aged 18 to 24 left school before completing their studies. According to the Report, the number of young people finishing secondary school is too low as well. (continued)
