Harsh lessons in economics

THE Lisbon Strategy signed by European leaders in March 2000 set out to make the EU the most dynamic and competitive economy in the world by 2010.

When he announced details of his presidency of the European Council of Education Ministers earlier this month, Noel Dempsey pointed out that one of his key jobs would be to achieve consensus on education and training elements of a review of the strategy.

A major policy of the agreement was that member states should give substantial increases in the amount of public spending per pupil or student at all sectors of education.