22.12.2021

EAEA country reports 2021 published

EAEA is proud to present the 2021 country reports, offering a civil society perspective on the state of adult learning and education (ALE) in Europe. This year, we have asked our members about sustainability, funding and the impact of COVID-19 on the ALE sector.

In 2021, EAEA members reported updated ALE strategies being drafted or adopted. In some countries, new strategies on sustainability are being launched, encouraging cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That said, in many countries the implementation of SDGs and the involvement of the ALE sector remain fragmented. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect adult learning provision. While a shift to predominantly online learning encouraged new learners to enrol, it also constituted a significant barrier for the most vulnerable adults. Those who did not feel digitally competent or confident, facing inadequate digital infrastructure or equipment continued to lose out on learning opportunities. To encourage participation in ALE, several ALE organisations in Europe improved their outreach work in 2021, for example by strengthening collaborations with local services. 

The 2021 country reports also clearly indicate that the ALE sector in Europe uses a diversity of funding tools, which include project funding, programme funding, fees and structural funding, to name a few. Some members reported that the policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic had led to more funding for ALE; others regret that recovery strategies target predominantly the labour market, leaving out liberal adult education. 

The reports are based on submissions from 37 EAEA member organisations representing 25 European countries. They can be explored through thematic tags and graphs comparing qualitative data.

Read the country reports on our dedicated website countryreport.eaea.org.

19.05.2025 activism

No one left behind: community, Bildung, and the future of just transitions

The Just4All Consortium gathered in Stockholm for its third partner meeting – the final before the closing event that will take place in Brussels on September 24th-25th, with a key focus being how to prevent stagnation by actively applying the insights and lessons the project has proved so far.

15.05.2025 digital literacy

Artificial Intelligence and education: Ethics and legal aspects 

From Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that personalise learning to systems that automate administrative tasks, digital technologies are becoming deeply embedded in classrooms, universities, and lifelong learning environments. But alongside the benefits come complex questions about transparency, fairness, and the rights of learners. 

07.05.2025 twin transition

Building agency of adult educators in advocating for the Twin Transition: ALE4TT training

From May 5–7, 2025, EAEA, in cooperation with SVEB and ICAE, organised a training titled “Making the Case for Adult Learning and Twin Transitions: From the EU to Local Perspectives.” The training was held as part of the ALE4TT (Adult Learning and Education for the Twin Transition) project, co-funded by Movetia. Over three days, the training brought together 15 ALE educators eager to learn more about the twin transition and how to advocate for it.