EAEA’s 10 key recommendations
1. Recognise the role of adult learning and education in transforming Europe and fostering democracy
Recognise that the digital transformation, the Green Deal, and the strengthening of democracy cannot become a reality without adult learning and education.
Empower adult learning and education for a strong involvement of the European public in this transformation and in Europe as a whole. Utilise the power of adult learning and education to reach adults of all ages and backgrounds for constructing and strengthening the basis of European democracy.
2. Make adult learning and education a political priority in the EU and across all countries
Promote adult learning and education for active citizenship, peace, solidarity, basic skills development, sustainability, digital inclusion, employability, health and well-being.
Support liberal, popular, and community education and learning opportunities for all adults that are free of charge and accessible to everyone.
Appoint an EU Commissioner or Vice-President for Lifelong Learning.
Set up an Inter-group on Lifelong Learning in the next European Parliament.
3. Invest in adult learning and education to make it accessible to all
Triplicate the budget for non-formal adult learning and education in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and in the European Social Fund+. Widen access to EU funding programmes for third countries.
Promote structural, sustainable, and adequate funding for adult learning and education in all countries. Establish a European benchmark for the funding of ALE in the Member States and promote the development of appropriate monitoring instruments.
“I have two sons, but for a long time after my brain injury I couldn’t remember them. I started a facilities management course that included a work experience. Learning has also made me feel like a man again, and because of this my sons have got their dad back.”
Jason, 48
4. Do not tax the right to education
Revise the VAT Directive to exempt non-formal adult learning and education from VAT. Encourage Member States to explicitly exclude non-formal and non-commercial adult learning and education – provided by a great variety of different organisations, including civil society, informal study circles, etc. – from VAT liability. Adjust legislation across EU member states to reduce tax competition.
5. Put adult learners at the centre
Enable people of all ages and backgrounds to access adult learning and education and empower in particular those who are at an educational disadvantage. Reach out to those furthest away from learning, and provide access to career and learning guidance for all. Enable everyone to get their skills – also those acquired through informal and non-formal learning – recognised and validated.
Empower adult learners to organise in learning cities and communities for more cohesion, inclusion, and solidarity. Empower adult learners and civil society organisations to actively participate in decision-making processes within their learning environments and eco- systems, but also policies and projects on adult learning and education.
I joined a university programme as soon as I retired. Before that, it just wasn’t possible. Today I’m an avid reader, regular visitor of musical concerts and all sorts of exhibitions, volunteer as much as I can, and learn from every person I meet.”
Marija, 75
6. Help adults reconcile work, parenting and caregiving with lifelong learning
Adopt an EU Directive on the right to transnational Paid Educational Leave. Improve systems of educational leave and scholarship programmes for adult learners so that all basic needs are financially covered and everyone can afford to learn.
Promote childcare and caregiving schemes that enable adults to engage in learning without having to worry about the well-being of their nearest and dearest.
7. Support and empower adult educators
Improve recognition, working conditions, and initial and further training opportunities for adult educators through policy initiatives and strategies in the European Education Area. Encourage the adaptation of the working conditions of adult educators to those of other teaching staff in the public education sector.
8. Raise awareness about the benefits of adult learning and education in Europe and globally
Promote an annual EU-wide adult learning and education festival, communication campaigns, and events to foster the participation of people of all ages and backgrounds in adult learning and education.
Advocate for adult learning and education at the global level, particularly in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the main financing mechanisms such as the Global Partnership for Education, using the UNESCO Marrakech Framework for Action in particular.
“When you start a course, you wake up every morning and have something to look forward to. Your imagination gets bigger. You start learning different things. You start feeling you belong. You get an education. You get empowered. It just shifts everything!”
Deborah, 48
9. Transform CEDEFOP into a European Competence and Research Centre for Lifelong Learning
Empower the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training to become a competence and research centre for lifelong learning in Europe. Enable this new centre to do fundamental research into modular learning, micro-credentials, and the future of European learning.
10. Monitor progress in adult learning and education in the European Semester
Introduce a mandatory survey on the state of adult learning and education, especially regarding participation and funding levels, in the country reports and the country-specific recommendations. Ensure that civil society in adult learning and education is included in the data collection and national focus groups.
Contact for more information:
Regina Ebner, Secretary General: gina.ebner(at)eaea.org
Raffaela Kihrer, Deputy Secretary General and Head of Policy: raffaela.kihrer(at)eaea.org
Davide Muraro, Policy and Projects Coordinator: davide.muraro(at)eaea.org
