Brussels, 23/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – “Access to education is a fundamental human right”, said Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, ahead of the International Day for Education, which will be celebrated on Tuesday 24 January. While condemning violations of this right around the world, he called for investment in “quality education” and “future-oriented learning”. The EU, he stressed, has “significantly increased its external investments in education and is ready to closely cooperate with partner countries as they deliver on their commitments”. In essence, the ‘Youth Action Plan’ in the EU’s external action foresees that at least 10% of the total funding of Global Europe, the instrument for international cooperation, development and neighbourhood, as well as its humanitarian budget, should be devoted to education (see EUROPE 13035/19). Moreover, he recalled, the Erasmus+ programme has benefited 13 million students, trainees or teachers over 35 years. (HS)