The power of learning to reinvent fairness between generations in Europe

Europe is facing many societal changes, family structures and relationships are evolving, society’s demography is greying, and there are multiple divides between generations - in terms of digital skills, employability or green awareness - that are issues that need to be addressed.

In that context, intergenerational fairness has become a new priority of the European Union, as stated in the European Commission Political Guidelines for 2024-2029. After nominating a Commissioner whose title is focused on this very issue, the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, the European Commission has published this year a new Communication on a Strategy on intergenerational fairness. The aim is to ensure today’s decisions do not harm future generations, increase solidarity between people of all ages, and encourage interactions between generations.

While many education policies focus mainly on young people, there isn’t any good reason to legitimately exclude older citizens (i.e. over 50 years old) from benefiting from lifelong learning. The data confirm structural age inequalities in participation in learning. Among adults of working age (25-64), the highest participation rate in education and training was observed for younger adults (25-34) at 56.5% (Eurostat, 2022). In the following 10-year age group (age 35-44), the participation rate stands slightly lower at 49.9%. It continues to drop with the following age group (45-54) at 46.2%. Finally, a considerably lower participation rate was recorded for the oldest (working) age group (55-64), at 35.4%, that is almost twice as less than the youngest cohort. Thus, it is time to talk about fairness.

This inter-generational dimension is the backbone of lifelong learning (a concept which regrettably but paradoxically keeps being confused with ‘adult learning’). Indeed, lifelong learning means learning at all ages, “from cradle to grave”, as the common formula goes on. Lifelong learning, in its very nature, is essential for all generations. There is ample evidence showing the value of learning for healthy and active aging, social cohesion, and remaining employable in a context where we are being asked to work longer and longer.

Those are the main points that we, at LLLP, want to stress in the consultation that the European Commission opened between October and November 2025 on the Strategy. The EC launched a Call for evidence to collect inputs from various stakeholders. The Call, now closed, received 106 contributions, mainly from EU Citizens as individuals and NGOs at various levels of operation (local, national and international). Perhaps regrettably, a very limited number of business organisations, public authorities and academic institutions contributed to the consultation. LLLP and three of its members (Eurochild, ISCA - International Sport and Culture Association, and EAEA - The European Association for the Education of Adults) each made a submission.

From LLLP's perspective, there are two main aspects that the intergenerational fairness Strategy should focus on; the value of enhancing intergenerational learning and the promotion of learning for senior citizens (read our full contribution here). To strengthen our points, we brought evidence from recognised international institutions such as Unesco and featured many inspiring practices from our membership. We contend that (even more in a context of an ageing Europe), there is an untapped potential to increase participation in lifelong learning and that is by enhancing learning among senior citizens.

LLLP members also highlighted crucial aspects. Eurochild (read here their input) stressed that this initiative must maintain a strong focus on children's rights, as children are among those paying the highest price for policymakers' decisions (or inaction). ISCA (read here their input) saw the Strategy as a timely opportunity to embed physical activity in the policy, given its value for healthy and active ageing. EAEA (read here their input) emphasised the role of adult learning and education (ALE) in promoting social inclusion, well-being, active and healthy ageing and provided a set of recommendations on combating ageism.

Other EU-wide consultations are taking place in parallel, more directly directed to citizens on the citizens engagement platform and at the citizens’ conference panel. In parallel to the Open Public Consultation and experts consultation, the European Commission organised from September to November a dedicated Citizens’ Panel on the topic. The Citizens panel as well as the online citizen engagement platforms show that public appetite for intergenerational solidarity is growing especially since Covid pandemic. Citizens consistently link fairness to access to learning: political education, digital literacy, sustainability skills, and vocational and community-based learning are all seen as essential ingredients of a fair future.

The message across Europe is becoming clear and the recommendations of the Citizen Panel stress that: intergenerational fairness will not be achieved without lifelong learning. Education and learning were the first most voted recommendation from citizens part of the panel. It is the mechanism that allows people of different ages to understand each other, adapt together, and contribute equally to Europe’s future. As the EU prepares to finalise its Intergenerational Fairness Strategy, LLLP will continue to push for one core idea: learning is not only a right, it is the bridge between generations, and Europe needs to strengthen that bridge now more than ever.