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

16.06.2026 EAEA General Assembly

Welcome new members!

EAEA welcomed eight new members at the General Assembly on the 9th of June in Warsaw, Poland. The new members come from Kosovo, Ukraine, Malta, Ireland, Portugal, and Bulgaria.

09.06.2026 Democracy

EAEA Grundtvig Award highlights volunteering and citizens’ assemblies as drivers of resilience and community-building

MEDIA RELEASE. EAEA has awarded adult education projects in its 23rd annual Grundtvig Awards. This year’s award celebrated Resilience and Community-Building in adult education.

04.06.2026 key competences

Competence development and community-building through sports 

The links between sports and learning appear to positively impact personal, emotional, and social habits. While these benefits for physical and mental well-being are acknowledged, reports indicate a lack of participation from EU citizens in sports and physical activities.