French economic growth at risk due to declining PISA education results

Xavier Jaravel, vice-chairman of the French Council of Economic Analysis (CAE), has warned that poor educational performance could cost the French economy approximately 150 billion euros in GDP losses by 2050. This assessment follows the release of the PISA 2025 international study, which revealed that French students have recorded their lowest results since the assessment began in 2000. While France remains near the OECD average in reading, mathematics, and science, the significant drop in proficiency is seen as a critical economic risk factor.

Jaravel stated in an interview with Les Echos that these results will likely lead to higher failure rates in higher education and increased youth unemployment over the next five years. Beyond immediate labor market difficulties, the report warns that long-term consequences include a slower adoption of new technologies. This technological stagnation is expected to negatively impact productivity and overall economic growth, necessitating improvements in the educational system to prevent these long-term fiscal losses.