Assessment of the implementation of SDG 4 goal by EU countries in the light of the 2030 Agenda using a hybrid approach in linear ordering

Abstract

The goal of the following study was to rank EU countries on their progress in achieving SDG 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” in 2023 and to determine their distance from the target values set for 2030. Eurostat monitors and evaluates progress towards SDG 4 using six indicators. Based on these indicators, an aggregate measure was constructed according to the assumptions of a hybrid approach combining multidimensional scaling with linear ordering. The proposed method involves a non-compensatory approach and target-based data adjustment, which prevents high values of some indicators from offsetting shortfalls in others, thereby providing a more reliable assessment of progress towards policy targets. The results show that Nordic countries, along with the Netherlands and Estonia, rank highest, while Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece remain the furthest from the 2030 targets. It is worth noting that no EU country has yet reached the aggregate SDG 4 target level, which highlights a substantial implementation gap at the EU level. The hybrid approach additionally makes it possible to visualise the multidimensional phenomenon in a two-dimensional space, enhancing interpretability of cross-country differences.