The EU only has limited powers ("competence") in the area of education policy. It can contribute to the development of quality education in the Member States.
Such incentive measures can be decided for EU education policy by a qualified majority in the Council and co-decision with the EU Parliament (Art. 149 TEC). They do not permit harmonisation of the content of Member States' education systems.
The future
In the EU Constitution, education is placed under the heading "area of supporting, coordinating or complementary actions". In this section legally binding acts can be adopted, but direct harmonisation of national laws is not be permitted.Links
http://www.europa.eu.int/pol/educ/index_en.htm