25.02.2015

Commissioner Malmström answers to EAEA’s concerns on TTIP

After hearing rumors suggesting that adult education would be part of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), EAEA wrote to Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström last November, to ask for her support in excluding adult education from TTIP. EAEA believes that adult education is a public good and that it should not be part of any trade agreement.

In her letter, Commissioner Malmström underlines that “the Commission is fully aware of the sensitivity of the education sector and will therefore continue to provide the necessary protection for the sector”. Concerning the investor-state-dispute-settlement (ISDS) in TTIP, the Commissioner highlighted that “neither the European Commission, nor EU Member States or the European Parliament would consider an agreement that would lower our standards or limit our government’s right to regulate.”

EAEA will continue to follow-up the developments of the TTIP negotiations in the upcoming months and advocate for the exclusion of education and public services in general in the TTIP agreement.

Text: EAEAPhotos: EAEA

27.01.2026 digital literacy

RESCALE project: Reskilling adults for the green and digital transition

Europe’s green and digital transitions are transforming labour markets, but many adults still lack the skills to keep up. The RESCALE project pilots Reskilling Labs to improve support for learners who are currently underrepresented in education.

27.01.2026 digital literacy

Between tradition and technology: ETHLAE talks to educators in Romania

In January 2026, educators gathered in Timișoara for another ETHLAE capacity-building activity. Representing special needs schools, specialised STEM schools, prison facilities, and Romania's second chance education programme, these educators came together to explore a fundamental question: are we properly using technology in adult education?

22.01.2026 adult educators

Micro-credentials to create accessible and inclusive learning pathways

The PRISCILA initiative wrapped its activities in December 2025, with the publication of the final guidelines dedicated to co-designing micro-credentials and flexible learning pathways for adults with a migrant background and to developing ALE educators’ competences in these areas.