The study was published by the European Commission earlier this week.
19.11.2015

The Commission publishes an in-depth analysis of adult learning policies and their effectiveness in Europe

The new study published by the European Commission concludes that adult learning policy could be made significantly more effective through a more systematic collection of data, and a more rigorous approach to evaluation to enable Member States’ policy actions to be monitored against their objectives.

Key findings of the study include:

  • A systemic review of the latest evidence confirms the significant benefits that adult learning brings to individuals, companies and society;
  • However, the statistical evidence shows that these benefits are not accessible to a very large number of adults who do not undertake any learning;
  • The study found that policies to ensure access to learning are often not in place or not sufficient to make a systemic impact;
  • The study has identified a number of policy actions that are proven to be effective in increasing adult participation in learning;
  • At the same time, Member States lack sufficient policy monitoring systems to ensure that the policy actions that are implemented achieve their intended impact;
  • The study thus proposes an analytical framework: a template that can assist policymakers in analysing their adult learning policies.

The publication is freely available on the website of the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

Text: Via European CommissionPhotos: EC - Audiovisual Service / Lambiotte Christian

13.03.2026 EAEA members

EBSN and EAEA members shape new recommendations on adult learning

Earlier this year, members of the European Basic Skills Network and the European Association for the Education of Adults came together for a joint webinar to discuss adult learning challenges, following the OECD 2024 PIAAC report. The event highlighted the importance of member engagement in developing two new documents: the Consultation Report and the Position Paper.

10.03.2026 adult educators

What does Quality Assurance mean in non-formal ALE?

For many educators and policymakers, ‘Quality Assurance’ is linked to strong bureaucratic processes and additional workload. In our view, we look  at Quality assurance as an organisational culture and a mindset, a mindful process of continuous improvements.

09.03.2026 gender

Through the Gender Equality Task Force, EAEA reaffirms commitment to gender equality in ALE

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, EAEA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that education, training and lifelong learning contribute to gender equality and social justice.