COMPARISON OF EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCIES OF THEIR SOCIETIES

This study examines the educational and technological competencies of societies across European Union countries, aiming to understand their role in supporting socio-economic development in a rapidly changing world. The analysis draws on a comprehensive set of variables that go beyond traditional indicators, incorporating aspects particularly relevant in today s fast-evolving, digitally driven world such as lifelong learning, digital skills, and knowledge of foreign languages. Using multidimensional statistical methods linear ordering and cluster analysis the study identifies groups of countries with similar competency profiles and highlights high-performing nations. While the research focuses on the EU, its conceptual and methodological approach is applicable in a broader, global context. The results offer a foundation for future comparative studies beyond the European region. The findings have clear practical implications for educational policymaking, particularly in terms of identifying strengths, addressing systemic weaknesses, and fostering competencies essential for long-term development. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on how education and technology can be leveraged to increase societal resilience and economic competitiveness.