The European Commission invites everyone to have their say on the Digital Education Action Plan.
27.08.2020

Support adult education in the Digital Education Action Plan!

The European Commission invites all citizens, institutions and organisations from the public and private sectors to participate in the public consultation on the Digital Education Action Plan until 4 September 2020.

Download EAEA’s response to the consultation.

The coronavirus crisis and the related switch to distance and online learning, have strongly shaped the visions and expectations for the future of digital education in Europe. A European framework for digital education must not forget about non-formal adult learning and education. A holistic vision of digital transformation is, in EAEA’s point of view, necessary to provide an empowering critical digital education that “adequately prepares citizens for an increasingly interconnected and globalised future.”

EAEA urges the Commission in their renewal of the Digital Education Action Plan

  • to include non-formal and informal adult learning, and especially the promotion of basic digital skills, through these learning opportunities;
  • to include lifelong learning as an aim beyond employability;
  • to heighten the emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity and include actions for the most socially and digitally excluded, particularly considering vulnerable populations, older learners, persons with disabilities, migrants, persons living alone, prisoners among others;
  • to complement online learning opportunities with offline guidance;
  • to provide more structural and financial support for non-formal ALE, investing in adequate technological infrastructure, capacity building, upskilling and professionalization for trainers and appropriate socio-civic methods to meet the needs of Europe’s digital transformation.

Text: EAEAPhotos: European Commission

28.11.2023 financing

Decreasing funding levels - and yet expecting miracles?

Recent reports from EAEA’s members reveal that Adult Learning and Education is facing considerable financial cuts in many European countries. Notably, Sweden and Finland which are known for their traditionally strong support of non-formal ALE, are now facing severe cuts.

27.11.2023 cooperation

Connecting research, policy and practice: a new collaboration brings EAEA and ESREA closer together

A memorandum of understanding, signed last summer by EAEA and the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), aims to strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations. EAEA’s Gina Ebner and ESREA’s Marcella Milana reflect on the past and future activities that brought both networks closer.

21.11.2023 advocacy

We need skills for the labour market - and beyond!

EAEA welcomes the great interest that the European Year of Skills (EYS) has brought to skills and ALE, as we believe that this area is of enormous importance for the future of Europe. Six months into the thematic year, it is time to take stock, shedding light on the connection between skills and work – and looking at how we can go beyond skills for the labour market.