11.04.2022

Include adult learners in Erasmus+ mobility actions – but do it right!

EAEA strongly supports the inclusion of adult learners in mobility actions in the new Erasmus+ programme from 2021 to 2027. However, first experiences from some European Member States show that the implementation of mobility actions for adult learners suffers from ‘teething problems’. We addressed this issue in our new statement, alongside a set of recommendations, to improve the programme.

Read the full statement: Include adult learners in Erasmus+ mobility actions – but do it right! (pdf)

EAEA has observed some issues in the implementation of mobility actions for adult learners in the new Erasmus+ programme. The issues include the definition of the target groups and, in particular, the focus on ‘low-skilled’ adults that may reinforce stigma and discrimination. Moreover, funding for individual adult learners remains lower than for adult educators, while burdensome conditions may hamper the participation of adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, the lack of uniform quality criteria, pressure on the learning choices, as well as financial and organisational barriers to cooperation require action from policy makers.

Mobility for adult learners in Erasmus+ is crucial, as it offers much-needed learning provision and helps to put the right to lifelong learning into practice. It promotes European values and democracy, while creating multipliers of adult learning. Finally, it supports the physical and mental health of people and increases their well-being.

In this statement, EAEA suggests the following recommendations to European policy makers:

  • Make the participation in Erasmus+ mobility actions a right for adults from all backgrounds, also by providing sufficient funding to sending and receiving organisations.
  • Focus on learning objectives rather than specific target groups, to make learning inclusive.
  • Provide additional support for learners with lower educational attainments, special learning needs, disabilities, parenting and caregiving responsibilities.
  • Raise awareness among social partners of the individual learning needs and ambitions of adults – that may legitimately transcend the temporary and short-term priorities of the labour market and employers, and that should be respected.
  • Promote, and fund, also virtual and online mobility programmes for all adult learners.

Text: EAEA

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.

29.04.2025 skills

EAEA strengthens its commitment to skilling and upskilling initiatives by joining the Pact for Skills

The European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) is pleased to announce that we have officially joined the European Commission’s Pact for Skills initiative.

18.04.2025 active ageing

Active ageing and the importance of learning in later life 

Older people, defined by Eurostat as those aged 65 years or more, are projected to make up 129.8 million of the EU population by 2050, a significant increase when compared to the 90.5 million at the start of 2019.