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

13.03.2026 EAEA members

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Earlier this year, members of the European Basic Skills Network and the European Association for the Education of Adults came together for a joint webinar to discuss adult learning challenges, following the OECD 2024 PIAAC report. The event highlighted the importance of member engagement in developing two new documents: the Consultation Report and the Position Paper.

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What does Quality Assurance mean in non-formal ALE?

For many educators and policymakers, ‘Quality Assurance’ is linked to strong bureaucratic processes and additional workload. In our view, we look  at Quality assurance as an organisational culture and a mindset, a mindful process of continuous improvements.

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Through the Gender Equality Task Force, EAEA reaffirms commitment to gender equality in ALE

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, EAEA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that education, training and lifelong learning contribute to gender equality and social justice.