Education budgets in many countries across Europe have been affected by the global recession, according to a study from the European Commission.

The report looks at trends in education spending in 31 European countries, some of them with devolved regions. In general, it finds that governments realise the necessity of investing in high-quality education and training. But the education sector has not been immune from austerity measures, especially in the hardest-hit countries.

The report finds that in 2011 and 2012, education budgets faced widespread cuts. Reducing or freezing teachers’ salaries has been one of the major ways in which governments have cut their spending on education, but other measures include allowing a decline in teacher numbers and closing or merging schools.

The report, Funding of Education in Europe: the impact of the economic crisis, predicts that education budgets will continue to be affected in some countries over the coming years.