06.02.2018

EAEA statement: European Commission’s initiatives on key competences, common values and digital education

EAEA’s response to the European Commission’s three recently published initiatives appreciates the update of the key competences framework, but criticises the narrow and formal understanding of education of the initiatives on digital education and common values.

The EAEA response addresses the three initiatives published by the European Commission in January:

EAEA appreciates the update of the key competences framework and is pleased that a number of the organisation’s recommendations have been taken on board. EAEA is happy to see that civic competences have been strengthened and that sustainability has become part of the framework.

When it comes to the Council Recommendation on common values and the Action Plan for digital education, EAEA believes that there are several missed opportunities.

EAEA calls for the revision of the initiatives and the acknowledgement of the significant role of adult education and learning.

“Both documents are based on a very narrow and formal understanding of education and thereby miss the opportunity to link formal, non-formal and informal learning as well as creating more ambitious and holistic strategies that take learners of all ages into account,” the response states.

EAEA calls for the revision of the initiatives and the acknowledgement of the significant role of adult education and learning.

“Adult education has a significant role to play; the evidence for which as well as the good practice across Europe is well documented.”

Photos: © European Union, 2017 / Source: EC - Audiovisual Service / Photo: John Charlton

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.

22.05.2026 skills

Farmers are ready to adapt to the twin transition — but training systems must be adjusted too

Europe’s farmers are often portrayed as resistant to change. Yet across the continent, farmers are already navigating climate pressures, sustainability requirements, rising costs, labour shortages and rapid technological change. The challenge may not be a lack of willingness to learn, but whether education and training systems are designed for the realities of agricultural life.