Brussels, 04/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The first European report on quality indicators in education and life-long training has examined the situation in 35 European countries in a number of essential areas: qualifications, skills and attitudes, access and participation, resources for education and life-long training, strategies and systems. It clearly shows that not all countries are able to successfully ensure education and life-long training for all sectors of the population. The report has been produced by the "Quality Indicators for Education and Life-long Training" working group, consisting of 35 countries, the OECD, UNESCO, and the European Commission. The report reveals, for example, that: 1) 7%-35% of 15 year olds are not sufficiently prepared for participating in the life-long training process because of their reading aptitudes; 2) 3%-27% of youngsters experience difficulties with numbers (arithmetic); 3) 7%-32% do not possess the required skills and scientific knowledge for benefiting from life-long training in this area. There are many youngsters who leave school early (around 10%). There are also many disparities in the level of GDP dedicated to investments in education (3%-8.33% in 2001), as well as the level of training provided to teachers. This report can be obtained (only available in English) from the Commission spokesman in Brussels (Tel: 02 295 69 64).