The Financing of Educational Institutes in the European States: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This paper deals with some aspects of the funding of educational institutions in European countries. It starts with some preliminary remarks on the legal framework of the right to education and its funding in Europe after the economic crisis. Then it briefly examines some recent trends in education spending emerging from recent Eurydice Reports. Finally, it focuses on a comparative analysis of public funding of private education in European countries. The analysis shows a general and growing trend – with some notable exceptions (e.g. Italy) – in supporting private grant-aided schools (i.e. Church schools) as a fundamental part and resource of the educational system, as long as they possess high quality standards, comply with the national curricula and respect European values.