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

18.01.2026 advocacy

Call for Action: Towards a rights-based, human- and planet-centered ALE in times of digitalisation and AI

The European Association for the Education of Adults has joined the Call for Action: Towards a Rights-Based, Human- and Planet-Centered Youth and Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Times of Digitalisation and AI, together with ASPBAE, DVV International and ICAE, to reaffirm the central role of adult learning in shaping a fair, democratic and inclusive digital transformation.

15.01.2026 advocacy

Upskilling the agrifood sector for the right to food – a call to action

On January 7, the European Citizens’ Initiative “Food is a Human Right for All! Guaranteeing healthy, just and sustainable food systems” from Good Food 4 All started the collection of signatures. The initiative calls for the systematic guarantee of the right to food to promote healthy, just, humane, and sustainable food systems for present and future generations

11.01.2026 advocacy

"An autonomous Europe”: Cyprus’s takeover of the Council Presidency

Cyprus is the last country of the Trio Presidency to take over, following Denmark and Poland, completing an 18-month cycle. In this analysis, we look at the program presented at the beginning of the year, shaping the agenda for the next six months.