Barcelona (ACN).- In 2007, Catalonia invested 3.6% of its GDP in education, an amount inferior to less developed countries such as Romania and Bulgaria. In 2004, Catalonia invested 2.14% of its GDP in non-university education, a percentage below those of Greece and Cyprus. This data comes from the General Workers’ Union (UGT), which is now demanding that the Catalan Government make education a priority and set aside at least 6% of its GDP for education following the Catalan Law of Education approved in 2009.

The 2010-2011 school year has been one of controversy because of the lack of places for students in universities. According to data from the UGT, this year there has been a 5% cut in university teaching positions and a 20% cut in staff positions. In addition, the number of Catalan students dropping out of university is double than the EU average with 28.2%.