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

27.01.2026 digital literacy

RESCALE project: Reskilling adults for the green and digital transition

Europe’s green and digital transitions are transforming labour markets, but many adults still lack the skills to keep up. The RESCALE project pilots Reskilling Labs to improve support for learners who are currently underrepresented in education.

27.01.2026 digital literacy

Between tradition and technology: ETHLAE talks to educators in Romania

In January 2026, educators gathered in Timișoara for another ETHLAE capacity-building activity. Representing special needs schools, specialised STEM schools, prison facilities, and Romania's second chance education programme, these educators came together to explore a fundamental question: are we properly using technology in adult education?

22.01.2026 adult educators

Micro-credentials to create accessible and inclusive learning pathways

The PRISCILA initiative wrapped its activities in December 2025, with the publication of the final guidelines dedicated to co-designing micro-credentials and flexible learning pathways for adults with a migrant background and to developing ALE educators’ competences in these areas.