Last week the ‘ Encouraging youth participation in Europe ’ events took place in Brussels and gathered young multipliers, national and European youth and Civil Society organisations representatives, experts and policymakers to reflect on challenges and facilitators of youth engagement and to take concrete action towards the 2024 EU elections and beyond. Following a few welcoming words from Caridad Alarcón Sanchéz, Vice-President of Lifelong Learning Platform , Ms Katrīna Leitāne, Member of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Group and President of the Youth Group of the European Economic and Social Committee , where the event took place, gave the opening remarks to kick-off the policy conference on the importance of voting and youth engagement and the role of CSOs in policy making. The first panel focused on the outputs from the project ‘Co-operation Youth vote: Enabling future active European citizens’ , presented by the project partners. The coordinators of the project, JEF Europe , introduced the project and its main objectives and activities, followed by a intervention from OBESSU (Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions) on the published report on the attitudes, challenges and views of youth on the vote for the European Parliament elections 2024. The report showed lack of trust in the system, poor representation and gaps in terms of rights were shown as some of the most common challenges for abstainers on a survey that reached around 2000 Europeans aged 14 to 25 (34% first-time voters). Young Educators presented the project Voting Toolbox , including activities to promote youth engagement as well as materials and resources. JEF sections of Italy, Latvia and Bulgaria explained to the audience the impact on and perspective from young people active on national and local level, both in-person and using video messages. Is the topic of youth participation addressed enough at a national and/or EU level? The panel discussion on youth voting and active participation counted on MEP João Albuquerque, Ondřej Bárta from the Pool of European Youth Researchers of the CoE, Gaia Ramon Reis (Board Member from OBESSU) and Mara Grimminger, President of JEF Belgium to share experiences and points of view from different perspectives: policy making, research and two youth perspectives. The discussion, moderated by Chiara Piccolo , Head of European Affairs at the Learning for Well-being Foundation , touched upon crucial issues on youth participation: importance of education; distinction between participation and meaningful participation and co-participatory scenarios where young people’s input is properly considered and used for policy at all levels. Other topics included extending the voting age to 16, which is a reality in only a few Member States, and is happening for the first time this year in Belgium for the European elections, where 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote, adding 270,000 young people in Belgium to the voting pool. The EU Youth Test , the impact assessment tool which ensures that young people are considered on new EU policy, was considered an important resource, but panellists consider there is still a long way to go to consider youth participation is satisfactorily addressed at EU level. The panellists also stressed the priority to empower young people to vote and help them get informed, but also to actively participate in local NGOs and at political local or regional levels . The second day started at the European Parliaments’ Info Hub with the welcoming words from Marta Concepción Mederos, Vice-President of Lifelong Learning Platform , followed by the presentation ‘Democracy in action - Introduction to three communication flagship initiatives of the European Parliament’, including the together.eu website, Youth Hub and the European Elections website . To offer a space for young people to talk with Members of the Parliament , 5 MEPs were present to join reactions to challenges and views of youth engagement. MEP Alex Agius Saliba , MEP Sara Cerdas , MEP João Albuquerque , MEP Rasmus Andresen and MEP Damian Boeselager reflected on how can first-time voters' participation in the elections be boosted and on the systemic barriers young people face in their constituencies . MEP Damian Boeselager and MEP João Albuquerque explored the themes of and issues with the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Years (European Year of Youth in 2022 and current European Years of Skills) and what processes can be put in place to concretely include a youth perspective at EU and national levels beyond simulation exercises. MEP Rasmus Andresen underlined the role of funding if young people are really to be involved in policy making and how this is put at risk when funds such as Erasmus+, CERV and ESC face cuts due to fiscal measures. MEP Alex Agius Saliba stressed the importance of the digital space and its implications on present and future generations and the EU recent advances such as the Digital Services Act. MEP Sara Cerdas delved into mental health and how youth voices and experience have to be considered in such an impactful topic for EU citizens, including young people. A Q&A between MEPs and youth and civil society organisations representatives followed the panel discussion. Overall, there was consensus on supporting more democratic/citizenship education across the EU at all levels and from all sectors of education and training. Alliance for Youth Vote kick-off meeting With over 90 participants, the Alliance for Youth Vote started their work to develop a common action plan for the European Parliament elections 2024 and beyond. This informal alliance will work together with policy makers, local, national and European youth and civil society organisations to encourage youth participation in democratic processes as well as join other existing initiatives promoting the strengthening of European civic education. Participants exchanged practices and experiences on campaigns, events, educational resources and on how to engage young people who don’t have the right to vote and/or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Alliance will continue its work, and has planned its next meeting already March 25th ! If you’re a representative of a national or European Youth or Civil Society Organisation and are interested in the Alliance, please register here to receive updates and join us in the next meetings! LLLP would like to thank all the participants and speakers for these two productive days and all their input and reflections on youth participation and involvement. LLLP organised the Policy Conference in partnership with the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the European Economic Social Committee and the Alliance for Youth Vote kick-off meeting was co-organised with the European Parliament. Thank you to the entire teams who made both events possible! This final conference resulted from a two-year project, Enabling future active European citizens (COYV) , coordinated by JEF Europe , which provided young leaders and national and European youth and Civil Society organisations representatives, a space for training in the preparation of the 2024 European Parliament election campaigns.

On 2 July, the Lifelong Learning Platform celebrated its annual General Assembly in Brussels. During the General Assembly, LLLP welcomed two new members: the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) and the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundatio n (IYMF) . Get to know more about their work below! European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) The European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) is a European non-profit association dedicated to promoting effective policy development and cooperation in the field of adult basic skills. Founded in 2010, EBSN brings together ministries of education, regional authorities, universities and research institutes, NGOs, and major education providers from across Europe. Its mission is to ensure that all adults in Europe acquire the essential skills—literacy, numeracy, digital competence, and transversal skills —needed for lifelong learning, employability, and social inclusion. In the 2025–2027 period, EBSN will focus on supporting the implementation of the European Commission’s Action Plan on Basic Skills and contributing to the Union of Skills initiative. Through policy advocacy, peer learning, and professional development programmes (like the EBSN Capacity Building Series and Professional Development Series for Basic Skills Teachers), the network will empower members to drive inclusive, evidence-based reforms. EBSN also supports EU Member States in addressing the challenges highlighted in the OECD’s PIAAC results by helping to raise awareness, build strategic capacity among national and regional stakeholders, and strengthen the professional development ecosystem for educators, trainers, and guidance staff by establishing Microcredentials. In parallel, the network seeks to engage with Pact for Skills partnerships to co-create inclusive upskilling pathways that address the foundational skills needs of employees, ensuring their active participation in the digital and green (twin) transition. In response to growing innovation in adult education, EBSN is also facilitating cross-border knowledge sharing on how digital technologies can enhance basic skills teaching and learning, and on how data and learning analytics can be better utilised in policy planning. As a new member of the LLLP community, EBSN looks forward to contributing to shared European efforts to advance equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning for all. International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF) Established in 1991 by Yehudi Menuhin and their Executive Vice Président and co-founder Marianne Poncelet the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF) is registered as a non-profit association by royal decree. As one of the greatest violinist and humanist of the twentieth century, Yehudi Menuhin always believed that arts and creativity must have a central place in any process of personal and/or societal development. In 1993 Werner Schmitt (IYMF Vice-President), Marianne Poncelet and Yehudi Menuhin created the MUS-E programme . Since 1993, MUSE-E associations have developed operations in 13 countries involving 61000 children and up to 500 schools. Over the years, we’ve crafted a wealth experience in implementing the use of creating arts in traditional primary schools working particularly with children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

On 4 June, the European Commission published its European Semester Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) and Country Reports (CRs), known as the ‘ Spring Package ’. The Semester is the EU mechanism used to ensure coordination across economic and social policies amongst Member States, with the CSRs representing the corrective course prescribed by the Commission to ensure Member States meet its annual economic and social priorities. The second mandate of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was launched with a series of big promises embodied by flagship initiatives; as a result, the Union of Skills had a significant influence over the current European Semester cycle. As was anticipated by the Communication , each EU Member State received at least one recommendation on education and skills. Ireland is the only country not receiving a specific CSR for education, but did so on skills, while the rest had at least one recommendation for education and one for skills. Read our full Reaction using this link Image by Antoine Schibler via Unsplash

On 1-2 July 2025, the Lifelong Learning Platform held its annual General Assembly in Brussels. In an extended two-day version, it brought together the whole membership to approve reports and plans, as well as to elect new representatives and engage in forward-looking discussions with decision makers.  LLLP High-Level Policy Debates The event opened on July 1st at the European Parliament, where policy-makers and civil society organisations gathered to discuss the future of lifelong learning in Europe. The event was hosted by MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, in his capacity of co-chair of the Intergroup on the Future of Educaiton and Skills for a Competitive Europe; the Executive Vice President of the European Commission Roxana Minzatu delivered the keynote address. They both expressed their intention to fight for inclusive education systems, that value learning in and beyond the formal systems.   Two distinguished panel discussions with high-level representatives from the EU institutions, specialised agencies, UNESCO and OECD provided much-needed insights into upcoming initiatives and the role of evidence and data in policy-making.  General Assembly 2025 On July 2nd, the actual General Assembly took place. Members of LLLP approved without reserves financial reports and programmatic documents and they also elected new members of the Steering Committee, our administrative body. Raffaela Kihrer (EAEA) was confirmed for a second mandate; Giulia Meschino (EVTA) and Dea Kralj (ALL DIGITAL) were also elected as members of the Steering Committee, as the mandates of Monica Verzola (EVTA) and Marta Concepcion Mederos (WOSM) came to an end. The whole Lifelong Learning Platform wishes to thank Monica and Marta for their unwavering energy and commitment to advancing the role of lifelong learning in Europe - and beyond. LLLP is also dleighted to announce that two new members have joined the lifelong learning family: the European Basic Skills Network and the International Yehudi Menhuin Foundation . Both were approved by acclamation. The General Assembly also approved of the change in membership status of EMDR Europe , which is now a full member of LLLP. Both days were centred on the celebrations of LLLP’s 20th anniversary. Members and guests took stock of the progress that LLLP made in its first 20 years of life, laying the foundations for the work in the years to come, starting with a renewed manifesto and vision for lifelong learning in Europe.

The European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe echoes the Union of Skills’ statement that ‘Education and skills are an investment - not a cost - which yields benefits many times over’. In view of the upcoming proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 (MFF), the European Commission has now the chance to fully stand by its declaration to meet European objectives and targets in the field of education and training. Within this context, the Intergroup calls for a strong investment that matches EU’s ambitions, especially in light of the consistent underinvestment in the education and training sector (less than 5% of GDP and less than 20% of public expenditure). The next MFF needs to clearly underline the joint responsibility for education and training, encouraging Member States to dedicate at least 5% of GDP to education and at least 1% of GDP for training. The Intergroup calls for the next EU budget to recognise the value of education and training in its universality and invest meaningfully in it: Stronger Funding Commitments under the new MFF A Stronger Erasmus+ Key measures to ease investment in education and training The Intergroup calls on the European Commission to deliver its objectives and proposals, and on the EU Member States to put education and skills at the centre of the EU’s renewal.   Read the full Declaration here

CS SOTEU 2025 Press Release As the European Commission President prepares to deliver her State of the Union address on the current overall condition of the EU, how can civil society make our collective voice known on the matters that affect citizens the most? This is why Civil Society Europe, along with a large group of civil society organisations, present our ‘Civil Society State of the Union 2025’ report . This document is both a response and a proposal - it aims to present the EU’s current state and propose solutions for positive change. Since 2023, CSE’s working group on the state of the union has been working tirelessly to support civil society and citizens’ participation in the EU, and follow-up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and its final proposals. This document is split into six sections, each addressing a specific area: Strengthening democracy, fundamental rights and civic space in the EU and the world Enhancing freedom of movement and solidarity for a more inclusive European society A socially just EU Averting the planetary crisis through climate action, nature restoration and sustainable resource use A digital transformation that leaves no one behind in the EU Shielding European society through human-centred security & readiness policies When compared to our 2023 State of the Union report, we see the alarming decline in democracy, human rights and the rule of law has continued across the EU. Amidst climbing global political tensions, the EU must incorporate a holistic approach, factoring in all sectors of our society, while reinforcing the role civil society plays. “This report is crucial for the next period of EU decision-making to fill gaps in some areas and set the agenda in others. The rapid changes we all see require timely and sustainable responses. As independent civil society organisations representing a wide range of citizens’ experiences and interests, we offer clear analysis rooted in lived experience and grassroots contexts.“ - Gabriella Civico, President of Civil Society Europe. We hope this document provides a sound basis as we work towards a democratic, socially, and environmentally just EU. Read the full report now.

Eight months ago, President’s von der Leyen announce d that 2023 will be the European Year of Skills (EYS). On 9 May, the momentous Europe Day, the starting signal was given for a year in which the EU institutions will focus on skills development across the Union. The Lifelong Learning Platform welcomes this initiative but draws attention to the need to uphold the values of the EU and take decisive action to achieve lifelong learning for the personal and professional development and participation of all in society. The following shortcomings suggest that more needs to be done to achieve this: Only 54% of adults aged 16-74 have basic digital skills Only 10.8% of people aged 25-64 engaged in training Sustainability learning lacks a structural approach across education and training systems Almost 10% of pupils were qualified as early leavers Almost 23% of learners underachieve in literacy, mathematics and science These occur as the climate crisis, the unpredictability of disruptive technology, the commodification of education, the lowering participation in democratic processes, the attacks on civil society threaten the societal fabric. While lifelong learning is a necessity in the face of such challenges, the finalised EYS resolution as well as the Trilogue negotiations narrowed the Year’s focus to labour market needs. Choosing to provide ICT specialists and green sector experts that can support businesses to adapt to the twin transitions represents a small part of what learners and societies need right now to tackle the wide diversity of challenges. Read the full reaction here

EucA has a vacancy open for a Digital Communications Assistant to join the Brussels office this September 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or Erasmus+ trainees interested in digital storytelling, social media, and European affairs to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international environment. The selected candidate will support EucA’s communications team in managing social media channels, developing digital content, coordinating newsletters, and promoting international events and EU-funded projects. When? Starting September 2025 Where? Brussels, Belgium (remote not accepted) Duration: 3-month trial period, with possibility of renewal (6–12 months) Compensation: €1,200/month Eligibility: Recent graduates and Erasmus+ trainees welcome Contact: mg.palocci@euca.eu Deadline: 30 June 2025 Learn more about the vacancy here!

The Erasmus Student Network launches a new edition of Europe’s largest student-led survey focusing on student exchanges and Erasmus+ The Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the largest student organisation supporting international student mobility in 46 European and Asian countries, has launched a new edition of its flagship research project, the ESNsurvey . The 16th edition of the ESNsurvey is now open and will be accepting responses from the 29th of May until the 31st of July . The ESNsurvey is Europe’s largest student-led research project on international student mobility, carried out solely by volunteers . Every two years, it collects insights from students to help shape and improve mobility programmes such as Erasmus+ and other relevant mobility programmes. The survey seeks to monitor the implementation of mobility programmes and the experience of international learners abroad, as well as the perceptions of students who have not participated in international student mobility yet . With 15 editions completed over the past 20 years , the survey has informed institutions, policymakers, and programme designers with real insights from the student perspective. This year’s edition invites responses from: Students who have taken part in a mobility exchange in the past two years; International full-degree students currently studying abroad or who have done so in the past two years; Non-mobile students who have not gone abroad — to share their reasons for not participating yet. The ESNsurvey is now open to graduates who previously participated in a mobility programme and are currently in employment. Their responses will help identify how international experiences have contributed to skills development and career opportunities , supporting the European Commission’s ambition to build a Union of Skills. The theme of this edition, “The Future of International Student Mobility” , reflects a critical moment in the evolution of European Higher Education. As discussions continue around the next Erasmus+ programme and budget, it is more important than ever to understand students' experiences and expectations. A key focus will be on teaching and learning during mobility , and how students envision the future of flexible learning pathways , particularly in the context of the European Degree proposal. Thanks to ESN's partners committed to accessible and sustainable mobility, this year’s survey offers rewards to students in exchange for sharing their experiences: 1 of 5 Interrail Global Passes; A 2-night stay in a Meininger Hotel; Or 1 of 2 Ryanair vouchers worth €50. The ESNsurvey XVI can be accessed through the following link: http://esnsurvey.org Spread the word and make every student’s voice heard!

LLLP is searching for an enthusiastic Project and Communication Assistant to join our team starting July 15, 2025 for a 6-month journey of learning and creativity! Working with a very small and polyvalent team in the heart of Brussels, the Project and Communication assistant will have to be able to deal with various tasks related to the daily management of ongoing projects and the drafting of content for external communication channels. This demands significant flexibility and a strong willingness to engage in the field of lifelong learning. If you’re between 18-35 years old with a passion for education, and skills in event planning, social media, website management, and graphic design—this is for you! Perks: Free accommodation with expenses covered, thanks to the Eurodyssey programme ! Apply in 3 simple steps: What is Eurodyssey? Eurodyssey is the oldest youth mobility programme in Europe! The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is an international, membership-based non-profit association. Created in 1985, it is the largest independent network of regions across Europe. The AER created the Eurodyssey Programme (at the time, “European Youth Tour”) the year it was founded, under the Presidency of Edgar Faure. The AER undertakes the general coordination Eurodyssey, in partnership with the Regions participating in the programme. The AER is responsible for the general framework conditions of the programme, its general development and promotion, while the Regions are in charge of the practical implementation of the programme, most importantly all aspects surrounding the hosting and sending of trainees (from accommodation to traineeship offers, remuneration, language course, social and cultural activities). Check if your region is a Eurodyssey member here . Create your profile on the Eurodyssey website and apply for this opportunity here . Boost your career while making a global impact!

The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP), in cooperation with Springer’s International Handbook of Lifelong Learning, launched a new series of webinars to present cutting-edge research on lifelong learning to an interested audience. In a compact format, individual research findings and critical reflections on burning issues, such as the ecology of lifelong-lifewide learning for sustainable generative futures or learning for climate justice will be presented and discussed in the focus of social/political and the economic. The third episode of the series will take place on 11 June, online, at 10.00 CET. We are living at a time when the future for humanity, and many other living things, looks uncertain and bleak. We need to change in so many ways if our planet and the life it sustains is to continue as we know it. As Barnet points out, ‘if learning [has] a purpose then surely it must be to learn how to live on this tiny planet.’ This has always been the case but there is an urgency like never before as we recognise the depth and scale of change needed to create a future that is more sustainable than the one we are currently heading for. If this is the overarching imperative for humanity’s lifelong learning and future survival, what concepts of lifelong learning do we need to enable us to learn to live in ways that will help sustain the planet and its life supporting systems? Policies play a critical role in turning the vision of lifelong learning into a reality for everyone. However, even the most well-crafted policies have their limitations. An overly optimistic view of what lifelong learning policies can achieve necessitates a careful, critical examination. Are the intended goals being met? Are potential negative effects being mitigated? Who truly benefits from these policies, and who might be disadvantaged by them? AGENDA 10.00 Welcome words Elisa Gambardella, President of the Lifelong Learning Platform Dr. Balázs Németh, Vice President of the Lifelong Learning Platform, eucen Ambassador and University of Pécs 10.05 Introduction by co-host Karen Evans as co-editor of the 3rd International Handbook on Lifelong Learning 10.20 Keynote Séamus O Tuama: Taking Forward Perspectives on Reflexivity in Learning: Five Capitals Discussant: Arne Carlsen, Former Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and Co-Chair of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame Europe 10.50 Q&A 11.15 Closing remarks by co-host Dr. Balázs Németh, Vice President of the Lifelong Learning Platform, eucen Ambassador and University of Pécs

In the 2018 Standard Eurobarometer 90, Europeans ranked the Erasmus+ Programme as the 4th greatest achievement of the EU , just behind free movement, peace and the euro. The high appreciation is reflected in the growing participation in the programme. In 2024, the EU reached 16.5 million Europeans benefitting from the programme , a doubling participation since 2014. However, this is still miles away from the citizens’ demands during the Conference on the Future of Europe, where they demanded universal access to the Erasmus+ programme. The programme has gradually expanded beyond learning mobility, starting with previous iterations, though learning mobility still accounts for 70% of its budget . Nevertheless, the 30% focused on cooperation and policy has yielded initiatives tackling urgent challenges for our sector, such as the Erasmus Teacher Academies, European University Alliances, the EU Youth Strategy or Centres for Vocational Excellence to name a few. Erasmus+ is more than a mobility scheme, it is a catalyst for European cooperation. Its capacity to support education policy reforms must be fully leveraged to address long-standing and deep-rooted challenges across Member States. In this regard it is also crucial to acknowledge the importance of EU-wide civil society networks supporting coordination across all beneficiaries of the programme in this context. Europe is reconsidering its own political, social, environmental and economic vision for a future in which it boosts its stature. The democratic resilience of the EU, its preparedness for any upcoming crisis and its competitiveness are key elements to be addressed for the long-term future of the EU project. All of them crucially hinge on Europeans with the right competences and with access to lifelong learning. While their commitment to the EU project has been effectively strengthened year by year by means of Erasmus+ projects and initiatives. The programme is one of the most effective tools for promoting cohesion and solidarity, nurturing a shared European identity, while bringing people together to advance equality, inclusion and the twin transition. Read the full statement here