14.11.2019

Adult Education and Citizenship

EAEA sees adult education as a central pillar to improving citizenship education within the European Union. In a newly published report on Adult Education and Citizenship, EAEA puts forward a number of recommendations on how to make citizenship a part of adult education provision.

The report discusses how citizenship education is becoming more poignant in contemporary society given the present political climate. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone to good citizenship education provision. By supporting people in developing the skills needed to engage actively in society they become better practiced, recognise how those skills remain relevant in an ever changing world, as well as involve those who did not receive appropriate citizenship education at school.

A very brief summary of the recommendations made:

  • Recognition and prioritisation of adult education, especially informal education, and adult education trainers
  • Policy makers should encourage the creation of opportunities for the adult learners to use and develop their citizenship skills
  • Education providers also have a role to play by encouraging citizenship-relevant skills: improving learners’ confidence and ability to participate they will be better prepared to engage as citizens when opportunities arise

Read the full AE and Citizenship paper pdf

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EAEA stands strong against cuts in ALE funding  

On March 31 2025, EAEA joined NGOs in Brussels in the nation-wide strike against planned government austerity measures. The peaceful demonstration was in solidarity with the national strike organised against the measures proposed by the new Belgian government.  

28.03.2025 digital literacy

Improving education environments in detention and care institutions

Since the end of 2024, EAEA has been a partner in the DigiFusE project. DigiFusE supports the development of digital readiness and resilience in controlled learning environments, such as closed detention and care institutions, to improve their educational environment.

27.03.2025 Democracy

A Union of Skills that puts the needs and ambitions of adult learners at the centre

The new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, proposes a Union of Skills as part of its ambitious 100-day plan. The European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) represents the European non-formal adult learning and education sector with thousands of providers and millions of learners. We welcome this initiative but stress that skills must be understood holistically - supporting individuals, communities, and society, not just the labour market.