06.11.2019

Council Recommendation on Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) – EAEA’s response

EAEA sees validation as a key tool in order to promote lifelong learning, to ensure more flexible learning pathways, to encourage learners and build their self-confidence as well as to create a more comprehensive understanding of competences.

European Commission has opened a public consultation on the Council Recommendation on Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning (2012). In its response, EAEA recognizes the importance of the Council Recommendation in creating a momentum for validation and believes that the Recommendation has contributed in generating national action towards more and better validation opportunities.

However, a lot still needs to be done in order to enable individuals to progress in their educational or professional development.

EAEA’s response outlines how the validation processes should be improved. The response is backed by the work carried out by Action plan for validation and non-formal adult education -project (AVA). AVA project consortium has published an evidence-based set of recommendations for all the stakeholders involved in validation and an action plan from the point of view of non-formal adult education providers: the AVA action plan.

Read EAEA’s response on VNFIL recommendation (pdf)

More information:
Gina Ebner
EAEA Secretary-General
tel: +32 2 893 25 24
gina.ebner(at)eaea.org

11.12.2025 adult educators

EAEA's celebratory event: 30 years of Adult Learning in Europe - from legacy to responsibility

On December 10, EAEA and GO! hosted the 30-year anniversary event of adult learning and education in Europe as part of the Lifelong Learning Week. The event brought together several high-level speakers. Their key message was that adult learning is a living, evolving field that must stay high on Europe’s agenda.

10.12.2025 country reports

EAEA Country Reports 2024/25 - adult education trends across Europe

EAEA Country Reports provide a civil society view on the latest developments in adult learning and education (ALE) across Europe.

09.12.2025 advocacy

Micro-credentials and non-formal short programmes as instruments of equity and access for adult learners with migrant background

How can we co-design accessible, inclusive and flexible learning pathways, also as micro-credential for non-formal education, to foster key competences for learners with migration background?