Lifelong Learning Interest Group
Initiated by EAEA and Lifelong Learning Platform together with a number of MEPs, the Interest Group on Lifelong Learning brings together civil society representatives and MEPs to discuss key issues connected to lifelong learning with strong emphasis on adult education.
An important reason to form the Interest Group on Lifelong Learning is the new European Commission and its priorities. We stand for a comprehensive and trans-sectorial lifelong learning approach and want to stress that education is not only about employment, but is linked to personal development, social inclusion, active citizenship, and much more. The interest group works as a “watchdog” to what the European Union is doing.
The group aims to promote participation and inclusion in lifelong learning in order to reach the education and training headline targets and contribute to the EU growth strategy. The European Pillar of Social Rights which enshrines the right to quality and inclusive education, training and lifelong learning as its first principle, is central to this. The group also aims to contribute to the implementation of the European Education Area, and to a sustainable and inclusive Erasmus+ programme as a major contributor to the achievement of the European Education Area.
MEPS members of the Lifelong Learning Interest Group
- Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Finland, Chair of the Interest Group
- Dace Melbare (ECR), Latvia, Vice-Chair of the Interest Group
- Roberta Metsola (EPP), Malta
- Günther Sidl (S&D), Austria
- Brando Benifei (S&D), Italy
- István Ujhelyi (S&D), Hungary
- Milan Zver (EPP), Slovenia
- Konstantinos Arvantis (GUE/NGL), Greece
- Radka Maxová (Renew Europe), Czech Republic
- Thomasz Frankowski (EPP), Poland
European Commission’s Working Groups
EAEA has recently been re-selected 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. In these working groups, EAEA is represented by the EAEA President and the EAEA Secretary-General. As members of the working groups, the delegates participate in hearings and meetings of the group and contribute through policy input.