In a vibrant online discussion on 16 September 2020, stakeholders from education, environment and development sectors gathered with European decision-makers to take stock of the role of education to build sustainable societies. The meeting, which was moderated by LLLP Secretary-General Giuseppina Tucci, focused on how education and lifelong learning can contribute to sustainable development not only from an economic, environment point of view but also social.

EAEA welcomes the consultation on a European Democracy Action Plan launched by the European Commission. Adult learning and education (ALE) can contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the new Democracy Action Plan. The public consultation will remain open until 15 September.

The European Commission invites all citizens, institutions and organisations from the public and private sectors to participate in the public consultation on the Digital Education Action Plan until 4 September 2020.

EAEA has published a new background paper on gender in the context of adult learning and education. The paper aims to raise awareness about the role of gender in ALE and promotes gender-sensitive approaches to learning.

The recently launched revised European Skills Agenda takes adult learning and education in Europe one step forward. While the Upskilling Pathways have been very valuable for promoting basic skills and validation of non-formal and informal learning, the Skills Agenda strengthens non-formal adult education and learning by saying that it will “prioritise non-formal, life-wide learning, intergenerational, intercultural and community learning” and by highlighting skills for life as a key pillar of adult learning and education.

EAEA is about to start a project that will give support to the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture to develop a new Lifelong Learning strategy. EAEA is looking for an organisation to support the implementation of the project in Cyprus.

EAEA’s President Uwe Gartenschlaeger, Secretary-General Gina Ebner and Ms Doris Pack, former MEP and chair of the CULT Committee in the European Parliament, met online with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel on 11 June to discuss the future of adult learning at the European level.

EAEA has launched a campaign for the continuation of the European Agenda for Adult Learning. The agenda has been central for improving adult learning structures and increasing participation in adult learning, but has not yet been fully implemented in all countries. EAEA believes that a further push for adult education at the European level is needed.

As we are becoming more interconnected than ever before, many of us who are away from friends or family are still able to keep in touch, share our news, and look after our loved ones, just online. However, while social media and the internet are letting us share and connect with the people who matter most, it is also a breeding ground for false information and rumours. This is commonly referred to as ‘fake news’. A project coordinated by KVS and our quick tips show how fake news can be unmasked.

A new website brings together EAEA country reports in an interactive and accessible way, visualizing key trends in adult education in Europe.