The statistical data presented in this report provide a sketch of higher education in the European Union for the period 1980-89. An introductory chapter defines the topics covered by the report: enrollment, number of graduates, teaching staff, actual duration of study for higher education graduates compared to stipulated duration, unemployment rates of graduates, and public expenditures. Conceptual differences between Member States are identified and there is a short discussion of comparative levels of education and comparative trends. In the second chapter text and approximately 50 figures and tables look at each of the topics in detail for each of the 12 European Union member states--Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom--covered by the report. In the third chapter text and approximately 20 tables compare national trends in higher education for each of the countries and each of the topics noted above. An appendix contains 45 tables of underlying data. (Contains approximately 60 references.) (CH)