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

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?

08.12.2025 digitalisation

One Europe, Many Learners: toward an integrated ALE ecosystem in Europe

More than 80 experts in the field of adult education, information systems and quality assurance for education gathered for the conference ‘One Europe, Many Learners Building Foundations for ALE Registries and ILAs’’ on 3rd December, to explore the future of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Europe.

28.11.2025 active ageing

It's never too late to learn: education and training as key to active ageing

EAEA travelled to Paris to meet the consortium and attend the final conference of the project. Back in Brussels, the EAEA team reflects on the importance of adult learning in supporting more active and engaged communities.