15.01.2025

Raffaela Kihrer becomes EAEA’s new Secretary General

From January 2025, Raffaela Kihrer, former Deputy-Secretary General for EAEA, has taken on the role of Secretary General, signalling a new era for the leadership in EAEA.

From January 1, 2025, Raffaela Kihrer is instated as the new EAEA Secretary General, and Gina Ebner will remain in the organisation as the Deputy Secretary-General.

The changes were approved by the Executive Board, with great thanks being shared for Ebner’s long-term as the head of EAEA.

“The Board and I as the president of EAEA are confident that with this step, we assure a maximum smooth transition in this key position to a colleague, who has proved her excellence and passion already for many years in various capacities,” said Uwe Gartenschlaeger. “At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to Gina for her incredible contribution to the development of ALE in Europe.”

Ebner served 17 years as Secretary General, and is now looking forward to reducing her workload, as an opportunity to spend more time with her dog, Lexie.

“The Board and I as the president of EAEA are confident that with this step, we assure a maximum smooth transition in this key position”

Uwe Gartenschlaeger

In an email message to EAEA members sent at the end of 2024, Raffaela Kihrer reflects on the upcoming change:

“I’m excited to embrace my new role from the beginning of next year. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with all of you. Our team has grown in recent years and adult learning and education is also receiving increasing attention at the European level: this means new challenges, but also great opportunities for a strong voice of adult learning and education. I’m particularly happy that I can do this together with Gina, and I’m confident that we’ll make a great team in managing EAEA. Together, Gina and I will work on keeping EAEA strong, dynamic, and maybe even occasionally well-rested!”

EAEA’s secretariat congratulates the pair for their decision, and thanks our members for the ongoing support.

Text: EAEA

11.07.2025 advocacy

EAEA and Forma.Azione sign a Memorandum of Understanding

EAEA and Forma.Azione have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

09.07.2025 activism

Disability Awareness Day 2025:  What is the role of non-formal adult education in ensuring the rights of people with disabilities?

On the occasion of the Disability Awareness Day (July 14), EAEA reflects upon the existing EU policies on lifelong learning and persons with disabilities and highlights how non-formal adult education supports  inclusive education.  

07.07.2025 cooperation

‘’A secure Europe and a competitive and green Europe’’

Last week, Denmark took the torch of the new Council Presidency, after 6 months of its Polish fellow.