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

21.10.2025 advocacy

EAEA statement on the EU Civil Society Strategy

EAEA participated in the Commission’s open public consultation of the EU Civil Society Strategy, highlighting the pivotal role of not-for-profit organizations in the pursuit of democracy and societal resilience. EAEA invites the Commission to increase its support by ensuring CSOs have the space to bring the citizens’ voices at the heart of the democratic process.

15.10.2025 AI

Empowering inclusion with AI: three takeaways from ETHLAE webinar

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we teach, learn, and connect. At a recent ETHLAE project webinar, participants heard how emerging technologies can impact inclusion, agency, and teaching practices. The session offered practical insights into how AI can become a meaningful ally in adult education.

15.10.2025 Gender Equality Task Force

How can we make safer spaces from a gendered perspective?

On October 14, the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning hosted a workshop during the European Week of Regions and Cities called “Inclusive Regions, Safer Spaces: Local and Regional Approaches to Gender Equality, Wellbeing and Digital Safety in Education”.