In a recent survey conducted across adult learning and education (ALE) organisations in Europe in the framework of the Path2EU4AE project, a concerning revelation has emerged: many organisations lack crucial information about various European Union funding programmes available to them. While the Erasmus+ programme is widely known and used in the sector, other funding programmes such as CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) and Creative Europe are still largely unknown to many organisations.

The national and regional interpretations of the European Union’s VAT Directive lead to financial uncertainties and problems for many ALE organisations in Europe. We demand a revision of the VAT Directive to exempt non-formal and non-commercial adult learning and education from VAT.

How can adult education organisations collaborate with green grassroots initiatives? What are the mutual benefits? This year, Tale project partners have been running pilots of co-creation, cooperation, and transformative learning for green transition in six European countries. The progress update from the Erasmus+ project shares key experiences and insights from this process.

The 2023 EAEA Country Reports provide a civil society view on recent developments in adult learning and education in Europe. This year, the reports also spotlight learner stories. The reports illustrate that national adult education policies have a strong focus on labour market needs, and adult learners lack opportunities to influence policy making.

The MOVE-UP project develops a flexible and quality upskilling pathway for unemployed women, with a focus on outreach strategies.

A new background paper of EAEA explores how adult learners, educators and community organisers see a greener future, and the role of adult learning in it. The paper concludes EAEA’s thematic work on adult learning and green transition in 2023.

A recent survey, conducted by the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), reveals persisting challenges and issues faced by organisations participating in projects funded by the European Social Fund+ (ESF+). The valuable insights and recommendations collected in the survey aim to enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of the ESF+ programme, by putting the learners at the centre.

Thanks to years of advocacy and multiple efforts in the last months, EAEA has succeeded in making adult learning an integral part of the new learning mobility framework. The new framework was proposed by the European Commission in mid-November.

Recent reports from EAEA’s members reveal that Adult Learning and Education is facing considerable financial cuts in many European countries. Notably, Sweden and Finland which are known for their traditionally strong support of non-formal ALE, are now facing severe cuts.

A memorandum of understanding, signed last summer by EAEA and the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), aims to strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations. EAEA’s Gina Ebner and ESREA’s Marcella Milana reflect on the past and future activities that brought both networks closer.