New European Agenda for Adult Learning for Europe’s future

Read EAEA’s full statement: Adult Learning and Education is key for the future of Europe (pdf)

The European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) is happy to support the Council Resolution on a new European agenda for adult learning 2021- 2030, which was adopted by the Council on 29 November 2021.

EAEA underlines the need for adequate support for infrastructure, civil dialogue and funding in adult learning. Adult education should be recognised in its diversity, as also mentioned in the new agenda, but the fragmented ALE landscape should not lead to a (further) reinforcement of fragmented funding structures. We emphasise that long-term and adequate funding of adult education is necessary to ensure a high quality of provision.

EAEA encourages National Coordinators to work directly with civil society organisations to ensure a collaborative community-based approach in the delivery of this key adult learning programme. In addition, we urge all National Coordinators to utilise learner voice as a core element within all activities placing particular emphasis on the voices of people from marginalised and vulnerable communities.

EAEA calls on EU Member States to follow this ambitious European agenda, especially the recommendations for the national level that include a holistic approach as well as inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral cooperation. EAEA and its members are keen to work with all involved levels to implement the agenda.