01.04.2021

State-of-play report on basic skills development in Europe

In the framework of the BLUESS project, coordinated by the State Vocational Education Institute in Slovakia, EAEA has drafted a report that looks at basic skills policy and practice in Europe, focusing on non-formal adult learning and education. The report is now available!

The newly published report offers a comprehensive look into various policy initiatives in Europe, with special attention paid to the implementation of Upskilling Pathways. Bringing non-formal adult learning into focus, the document also discusses how adult learning providers in Europe have contributed to improving basic skills among European citizens. From initiatives targeting specifically literacy, numeracy or digital skills, to those that look at learning holistically, the report provides insight into how various European countries – in the EU and beyond – have been helping their citizens move up in their personal and professional lives.

In addition to the report, EAEA has drafted an infonote that looks at the principles and steps of the Upskilling Pathways initiative, and their implementation in Europe.

The publication has been drafted with the support of the EaSi programme, within the framework of BLUESS: Blueprint for basic skills development in Slovakia, a project coordinated by the State Vocational Education Institute in Slovakia.

Consult the project results:

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.