EAEA welcomes the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission on July 18. Von der Leyen’s previous Commission has led crucial initiatives to put skills and adult learning at the top of the political agenda, notably the European Year of Skills 2023. EAEA is pleased to see a renewed commitment to Adult Learning and Education (ALE) among the most prominent priorities of the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024−2029.
“We will establish a Union of Skills – focusing on investment, adult and lifelong learning, skill retention and the recognition of different types of training to enable people to work across our Union.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission 2024−2029
It is instrumental that the momentum built with the European Year of Skills is translated into meaningful, impactful and long-lasting change and, to this end, a Union of Skills is of paramount importance. In this process, we call the new Commission to value and recognise all types of learning both for the labour market and for personal development, social inclusion, solidarity, democratic participation, health and wellbeing.