European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe
Following the 2024 EU elections, the European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe was officially established in December 2024, in Strasbourg, as the first-ever intergroup on education and training.
The Intergroup was established thanks to the efforts of the Lifelong Learning Platform, of which EAEA is an active member and a founding member, EFEE and Schuman Associated. Education and skills play a vital role in ensuring societies stay resilient and well-prepared in the face of constant changes, as well as in promoting healthy democracies, active participation and more inclusive spaces. This Intergroup is echoing these key messages and contributing to putting education and skills at the top of the agenda, for example, by calling for strong funding in the next MFF.
As the voice of the non-formal adult education in Europe, EAEA is contributing to the Intergroup work by promoting the benefits of adult learning and its crucial importance to create change and transform lives. EAEA will raise awareness for ALE among the members of the Intergroup and develop recommendations for better EU policies, as well as establish new alliances for ALE.
Members of the European Parliament of the Lifelong Learning Interest Group
The Intergroup is co-chaired by European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu (S&D), MEP Eleonora Meleti (EPP), MEP Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA), and MEP Brigitte van den Berg (Renew) to ensure transversal political support for the challenges ahead.
Close to 100 MEPs have declared their support for the creation of this Intergroup. The full list of members can be found on the official European Parliament website, as well as some photos of the official launch.
European Commission’s Working Groups
EAEA is a member of two Working Groups of the European Commission focusing on lifelong learning policy: the Working Group on Adult Learning – Opening Up Opportunities for All, and the Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training. As members of the working groups, the EAE delegates participate in hearings and meetings of the group and contribute through policy input and written contributions.
Networks
To continue our strong and wide influence, EAEA is represented in different networks, fora and platforms at the European and global levels.
EAEA is represented in the Lifelong Learning Platform through a member of the Steering Committee, Raffaela Kihrer, who was elected General Secretary in 2023 and again in 2025. Through the Lifelong Learning Platform, EAEA also has representation in the Council of Europe Working Conference on Digital Education.
Other networks and associations, where EAEA is a member and represents adult learning and education, include the Social Platform, CONCORD Europe, SDG Watch Europe, the Bridge 47 policy network, and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum.
Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning
As part of EAEA’s commitment to inclusion, fairness and equality, we are part of a joint initiative, along with EARLALL and EfVET – the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning. This group aims to gather interested members from the three organisations to launch a series of initiatives that encourage discussion on EU policies and strategies related to gender equality in lifelong learning.