22.07.2024

EAEA’s take on von der Leyen’s re-election: important commitments on skills and adult learning

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 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. 

Text: EAEA

11.12.2025 adult educators

EAEA's celebratory event: 30 years of Adult Learning in Europe - from legacy to responsibility

EAEA and GO! hosted the 30-year anniversary of ALE in Europe on December 10, in the framework of the Lifelong Learning Week by the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP). The event saw the participation of many high level speakers: Alan Smith - former Director of the Erasmus Bureau, Vannessa Debais-Sainton - Executive Vice-President’s Cabinet Minzatu, MEP van den Berg, MEP Ní Mhurchú, Tanya Hristova - SEDEC Commission, Gustav Fridolin - Mission Folk High School, Elisa Gambardella - LLLP, Diter den Baes - Xplora School Group, MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen, Lauri Tuomi - EAEA’s President.

10.12.2025 country reports

EAEA Country Reports 2024/25 - adult education trends across Europe

EAEA Country Reports provide a civil society view on the latest developments in adult learning and education (ALE) across Europe.

09.12.2025 advocacy

Micro-credentials and non-formal short programmes as instruments of equity and access for adult learners with migrant background

How can we co-design accessible, inclusive and flexible learning pathways, also as micro-credential for non-formal education, to foster key competences for learners with migration background?