The European Pillar of Social Rights sets out a general right to education and training throughout life. It goes further than Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union by focusing on quality and inclusiveness. 

The Pillar aims to ensure high quality education and training provision, both formal and non-formal. It emphasises the relevance of education and skills for successful participation in the labour market and for social cohesion. It emphasises opportunities to maintain and acquire skills. This entails flexible opportunities for learning and re-training which should be available at all times throughout a person's life and working career, including early childhood, initial, further, higher and adult education and training systems.

Inclusive education, training and lifelong-learning entail accessible means to acquire, maintain or develop skills and competences to a level that equips everyone for active life. For example, the special needs of people with disabilities or of those from disadvantaged backgrounds should be catered for so that they are ensured access on an equal basis.

Further emphasis is put on the skills required during labour market transitions, encompassing changes in employment status, changing employer, entering or returning from career breaks or moving between employment and self-employment. This encompasses inter alia the acquisition and maintenance of basic digital skills

High