Search

Search this site
445 results found with an empty search
- LLLP announces its 2026 General Assembly
On 29-30 June, members of LLLP will convene to discuss some key strategic development in the LLLPlatform, including its advocacy strategy and the potential revision of membership criteria. In this extended, two-day format, members will engage in a high-level policy debate with prominent speakers at EU and international level on AI in education (29 June). On the second day (30 June), members will attend to regular business and also elect three representatives of the Steering Committee, as three other finish their mandate. The General Assembly is always a milestone in an association life: get in touch with the Secretariat to register if you are a member, or stay tuned to learn about the outcomes!
- Putting the human in ‘human capital’? A lifelong learning vision that responds to people’s needs
On 25 November, the usual Autumn package of documents for the European Semester , brought a new addition: the European Commission’s recommendation for a Council Recommendation on Human Capital . The Recommendation, announced in the Union of Skills Communication , is intended to motivate Member States to effectively combine public and private funding for targeted reforms. LLLPlatform welcomes the ambition to boost financial commitments in education and training . This is overdue for the heavily pressured education and training systems. The recent economic, social and environmental changes are increasing the pressure on education and training while funding is either decreasing or stagnating. However, the LLLPlatform questions the added value of such a proposal and its framing . We are concerned with a number of aspects that are addressed in this reaction, which are all underpinned by our Renewed Lifelong Learning Manifesto . It is clear that key and transversal competences are what learners all over the EU need, which require cross-sectoral cooperation models in lifelong learning (involving formal, non-formal and informal learning). However, the Commission seems to be stuck in traditional ways of viewing learning. As this Recommendation is approved with a fast-track procedure, we provide this Reaction as a blueprint for the next iteration of the Recommendation, as every year, a different angle on Human Capital will be considered under the European Semester.
- LLLAwards 2026: applications are open!
In 2016, the Lifelong Learning Platform launched the Lifelong Learning Awards to celebrate creative and inclusive practices. The aim of the Lifelong Learning Awards is to give visibility to innovative practices taking place all over Europe in order to attract public attention on lifelong learning as well as to inspire new practices and policies. The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) will select each year its annual specific priority to push forward topics that are underrepresented on the EU agenda. Theme of the year The Lifelong Learning Platform seeks to receive practices in the topic of ‘ Reimagining validation and recognition: give value to all learners, learning and competences ’, a theme that will be a yearly focus for LLLP. In fact, 2026 will be an appropriate year to tackle this essential theme: with many EU legislative and non legislative initiatives relating with validation and recognition, it is the perfect time to reveal the work of education and training stakeholders, highlight learner-centred initiatives and put forward best practices. Validation and recognition aim at making people’s learning visible and valued - yet these processes remain little known and shared. LLLP hopes to remedy that with the LLLAwards. What does validation and recognition mean? Recognition (of learning outcomes) can have two different meanings . It can refer to “formal recognition”, a process of granting official status, by an accredited body, to knowledge, know-how, skills and/or competences of a person through award of qualifications (certificates, diploma or titles); or “social recognition”: acknowledgement of the value of knowledge, know-how, skills and/or competences of a person by economic and social stakeholders. Validation (of non-formal and informal learning) is the process of confirmation by an authorised body that an individual has acquired learning outcomes measured against a relevant standard and consists of the following four distinct phases: 1. Identification 2. documentation 3. Assessment and 4. Certification. The LLLAwards take a broad approach to recognition and validation and are open to any initiatives that fall into the different scopes (including steps of the process and initiatives coming from civil society and non-official bodies). Why apply? Get your innovative practice recognised at European level! Your initiative will be assessed against the very best in the field, by a Jury of policymakers, researchers and civil society organisations. The LLLAwards are the perfect opportunity to get European visibility, network with like-minded partners from all over Europe and seek opportunities to upscale your project. The winners of each category will be invited to present their initiatives during the Opening Ceremony of the Lifelong Learning Week 2026 in Brussels. Categories 1. Best policy: impactful systems for validation and recognition Since the publication of the Council Recommendation on VNFIL in 2012, EU Member States were encouraged to set up a legal system for validation by 2018. Almost a decade later, while legislations have advanced in several countries, implementation is still insufficient. Validation and recognition systems are often fragmented, and developed at different speeds depending on the socio-economic sectors and target groups (migrants, unemployed, workers, students, etc.). This category will recognise forward-looking projects / initiatives that have influenced policies at national, regional or local levels that contribute to the wide-spreading of recognition and validation. Initiatives submitted under this category shall look at validation and recognition systems holistically, and support from public authorities should be demonstrated. The scale, impact and type of stakeholders involved in these initiatives will be particularly considered. 2. Best organisation: being at the forefront of validation and recognition When the system is moving slowly towards developing validation and recognition pathways, organisations move forward faster in developing their own system for making learning visible. Organisations of all sorts, public authorities, career guidance centres, companies, civil society organizations or education and training providers, design and implement innovative practices for validation and recognition. This category will recognise innovative organisations that empower learners by putting value to their learning acquired in non-formal and informal learning environments. A specific attention will be paid to the inclusion dimension, reaching disadvantaged learners or specific target groups (low skilled, unemployed). For this category, initiatives can also address measures of staff professionalisation. 3. Best tool: future tools and methods for valuing learning Standardised and traditional assessment methods are not always the best suited to validate learning in non-formal and informal environments. Transversal competences, for instance, require reimagining validation and recognition processes. The digital transition is also not only affecting education but also the way learning outcomes are evaluated. New methods can include AI-based assessment, microcredentials or peer evaluations. This category will recognise innovative tools and methods that identify, document, assess or certify non-formal and informal learning, particularly (but not restricted to) in the field of new competences, green, digital or transversal. 4. Best learner: celebrating turning points in one’s life Having your skills validated and recognised can really change your life around! This category will award individuals that have gone through processes of validation and recognition of all sorts and that managed to transform their lives afterwards. Do you know of individuals who benefitted from such processes and have opened doors accordingly? Have you seen your skills and competences recognised to the point that it managed to turn your life around? Submit your application! Eligibility criteria Applicants must be over 18; Applicants must be EU citizens or active in one of the EU Member States. The initiative can be, an entity, or project The initiative may target any age group; The initiative should not be older than three years, counting from its ending; The initiative must not have already been awarded another European prize; Additional points shall be given to initiatives which rely on cross-sectoral cooperation (involving civil society organisations, schools, trade unions, companies, universities, etc.); Award criteria The submissions will be evaluated against the following criteria: Impact and results achieved Innovative aspects Sustainable aspects Transferability Questions? Get in touch with us !
- Lifelong learning: the backbone of our democracy shield
In 2025, the European Commission launched a strategic package to respond to identified threats linked to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, state-sponsored hybrid and cyberattacks, sabotage targeting critical assets, foreign information manipulation and interference, and electronic warfare, by treating education and training as a key pillar. The Commission’s strategic package includes the release, in March, of the European Preparedness Union Strategy , and the release, in November, of the European Democracy Shield and of the EU Strategy for Civil Society . Each of these is aiming to boost Europe’s resilience to unexpected crises, while also considering democratic values and civil society as foundations for ensuring safeguarding the EU model. Yet, across the strategies, the Commission has placed education and training as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. The result has been a failure to safeguard article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - ‘Everyone has the right to education’. Though all people will resoundingly agree, the caveat is that universal human rights are not achieved until truly accessible to all. Learning is a social process connecting everyone, as learners together form a fully functioning body. As soon as one part suffers, the whole is in danger. In this sense, education and training is built on solidarity. Does the current situation worldwide allow us to say that article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is met?
- Working Together on a New Beginning: Ylva Johansson chairs the European Skills High-Level Board
The European Commission Communication on the Union of Skills launched in March 2025, announced the formation of a new governance body in education and training at the EU level, the European Skills High-Level Board. After much anticipation, on 29 January, Ylva Johansson (former Commissioner for Home Affairs) was appointed as the Chair of the European Skills High-Level Board . Her mission is also set-up according to the vision of the Union of Skills. The Lifelong Learning Platform welcomes Ylva Johansson as the new chair of this governance structure. The civil society is prepared to work together with the former Commissioner and support her in the crucial mission of identifying how to make the Union of Skills a reality across the Member States. Her experience as both Minister for Schools and Minister for Employment in Sweden embodies the new direction of the EU towards bringing together the work on social affairs and education and training, and will provide an excellent guiding light for the members of the High Level Board on Skills. To ensure Ms Johansson and the High Level Board on Skills are successful, the education and training stakeholders need access to the Board’s work . As we wait for more information on the composition of the Board, and how members were recruited, the Lifelong Learning Platform recalls its request submitted to the Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu to ensure that the education and training stakeholders receive the mandate to join this Board. The Lifelong Learning Platform is certain that both the Executive Vice-President and Ms Johansson are committed to achieve the EU’s objective and will make sure to actively rely on education and training stakeholders directly within the European Skills High-Level Board. In the meantime, you can see the Lifelong Learning Platform’s Statement on the Union of Skills as well as its newly Renewed Manifesto for Lifelong Learning which underlines what is needed for all learners to thrive and contribute to the EU.
- A crossroads called traineeships: how employers can support learners to cross the bridge between education and employment
It is often said that education takes a village, meaning that each individual’s learning process is a shared responsibility involving educators, parents and the wider community with the goal of providing space for the learner to develop their full potential. This shared responsibility doesn’t stop at graduation, it extends beyond the walls of learning institutions, throughout our lives, including traineeships . While at first glance, a traineeship might appear as falling solely under the world of work, its strong learning component makes it a crucial crossroads in a learner’s life. One that needs education and employment actors to join hands with learners and ensure that no one is left lost and without a way forward. This need for dialogue and collaboration between learners, learning providers and employers is at the basis of the “Digitalising Erasmus Traineeship Application & Support” (DETAS) project. To ensure the different actors that take part in a successful traineeship experience are heard and supported, the project looks into each perspective and aims to bring them together for joint action into effecting positive changes in how Erasmus+ traineeships (and traineeships in general) are implemented. The first report on the students' experience in Erasmus+ traineeships showcased the academic findings and learner’s voices which call for addressing various challenges in their traineeship journey. One such challenge is linked to the barriers faced also by the employers involved in this process. Taking this into consideration, the DETAS consortium developed and launched last Summer a practical toolkit for employers on recruitment, support and evaluation: “ Managing Erasmus+ Traineeships” . This resource is designed to assist employers in hosting Erasmus+ interns and trainees, offering practical guidance for each stage of the placement process, from recruitment to offboarding . Why an employer toolkit? While Erasmus+ traineeships are valuable for students entering the international job market, employers often face challenges like unclear procedures, lack of support tools, or last-minute cancellations. Based on results stemming from employer surveys and co-creation workshops, the toolkit directly addresses these needs with validated strategies, downloadable templates, and real-world insights to improve both the trainee experience and employer outcomes. The toolkit includes a recruitment checklist, pre-arrival and onboarding tools (like "First-Day Icebreakers" and mentor templates) , mid-placement check-in and engagement trackers, and evaluation surveys and offboarding tools . What’s next in employer support for improved traineeships? Naturally, the work doesn’t end here. As with any other innovation, the tools will need to be continuously tested and guidance will be developed in order to ensure that the toolkit becomes a real asset for employers. This work is key to guarantee that the toolkit doesn’t become a burden to small to medium employers or that it is not a repetition of already existing processes within more established employers. The goal afterall is to empower employers to shape talent: with erasmusintern.org as its digital foundation, the DETAS consortium aims to create a seamless match between motivated students and quality traineeship opportunities . Moreover, the Employer Toolkit supports EU goals for more inclusive, accessible, and high-quality mobility experiences, contributing to a stronger, competent workforce across borders. You can find the Employer Toolkit and all materials here and in the Resources section of detas.erasmusintern.org .
- LLLP at the Sakharov Prize 2025!
Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, the 'Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought' is the EU’s highest human rights award. For almost 40 years, it has been consistently given out to recognise individuals and organisations that distinguished themselves in the fight for human rights and, in particular, in the fight for the freedom of expression. In a heartfelt ceremony in Strasbourg on 17 December, EP President Roberta Metsola awarded the Sakharov Prize to representatives of Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus, and Mzia Amaglobeli representing the Georgian pro-democracy protest movement. During the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought award ceremony on Tuesday, 16 December, in Strasbourg, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declared her pride in the recipients. "I am proud to award this year’s Sakharov Prize to journalists Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli in recognition of their brave fight for freedom of expression and the democratic future of Belarus and Georgia.", she said. Emphasizing the Parliament's support, she added, "this House stands in solidarity with Mzia and Andrzej and calls for their immediate release from prison — because speaking truth to power must never be a crime." The prize honors Poczobut and Amaglobeli's courage in defending freedom of expression despite violent repression. The Lifelong Learning Platform was lucky enough to be selected among a pool of stakeholders to attend the ceremony, thanks to the support of the European Parliament. Among other civil society organisations, LLLP could witness a moment of true European democracy in action.
- LLLWeek 2025 - it's a wrap!
The 15th edition of the LLLWeek took place in Brussels on 8-12 December 2025. The LLLWeek was held under the patronage of the first-ever Intergroup of the European Parliament on The Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe . The five days of the week saw five different themes - and five different MEP hosts! MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, hosted Monday 8, dedicated to Investment in Education and Training MEP Zoltan Tarr hosted Tuesday 9, dedicated to Inclusion in Education and Training MEP Brigitte van den Berg hosted Wednesday 10, dedicated to Innovation in Education and Training MEP Nela Riehl, chair of the CULT Committee, hosted Thursday 11, dedicated to the Internationalisation of Education and Training. MEP Marcos Ros Sempere hosted Friday 12, dedicated to Intermediaries in Education and Training During the LLLWeek, LLLP celebrated its 20th anniversary by officially launching a Renewed Manifesto for Lifelong Learning , outlining our commitment for the next 20 years. LLLP and our members organised 18 different events, including the European Lifelong Learning Stakeholders' Forum - the largest informal consultation of EU education stakeholders - as well several networking receptions. Some figures of the LLLWeek 2025: 18 different events and workshops More than 1100 registered participants, averaging 60 per workshop - a record! 19 members actively involved as organisers of workshops and almost 40 members active during the LLLWeek 8 Members of the European Parliament, 6 official representatives of Member States as well as countless officials of the European Commission were active during the LLLWeek With the support of EU elected officials and the strength of civil society organisations, the LLLWeek 2025 truly became a milestone in the EU education agenda. We can't wait to increase our impact next year!
- A student’s Erasmus+ journey doesn’t have to end at graduation: Insights into the Erasmus+ Traineeship Experience
The train conductor announces the arrival to your home station, with a big sigh you are ready to once again embrace your loved ones and tell them about the great adventure that has been your learning mobility experience in a different country. A truly enriching experience and the excitement can be heard in your voice, so many different things encountered but also so many similarities found in people and in places. For sure, the lessons of this period will stay with you forever. In short, your life has changed! But, does it have to be the end of your mobility journey? Thanks to Erasmus+ support for traineeships this doesn’t have to be the case! The opportunity is open for students currently enrolled in higher education institutions in Programme Countries at Bachelor and Master level, as well as doctoral candidates and also recent graduates! But, what is happening with Erasmus+ traineeships? Despite the Erasmus+ support and the numerous advantages stemming from an international working experience they account for less than 30% of all Erasmus+ mobility. This situation led to the development of the project “Digitalising Erasmus Traineeship Application & Support” (DETAS) so that a more in depth view into traineeships and the student experience could be obtained in order to foster changes and implement improvements that will benefit not just students but also employers, universities and societies at large. The research report looking into the Erasmus+ traineeship experience was launched in early 2025 ( From Digital Gaps to Seamless Journeys ), a result of a long process of collecting academic data and providing a space for student voices. Evidence shows the increasing value of international work placements in a rapidly evolving job market, they can provide students with critical real-world experience, improving their employability and intercultural skills while employers benefit from a larger pool of young talent. However, administrative complexities and unclear expectations pose barriers to students, employers and universities . In order to better support students in their traineeship journeys, student voices underline that it will be essential to address the challenges identified such as digital fragmentation with outdated platforms, financial barriers limiting access for low-income students, lack of support before departure and limited employer engagement due to administrative burdens. The findings of the report are backed by results coming from the biggest Erasmus+ student survey (ESN surveys) and the Eurobarometer (the European Commission public opinion survey) which confirm the difficulties in securing financial support and housing, as well as inconsistencies in the recognition of the traineeship experience. The challenges faced by trainees and employers, beyond Erasmus+ mobility, has led to a push at EU level for renewing the Council Recommendation on a Reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships and bringing about legislative changes through a proposed Traineeships Directive . These policy instruments aim to address the challenges in this field by looking into fair compensation, clear learning objectives, and improved social protections. What will the DETAS project do to foster positive changes in Erasmus+ mobilities? With the impetus coming from the policy arena and the calls for action from the student community, the DETAS consortium will work to operationalise the much needed changes to ensure a more streamlined ecosystem through innovations like an upgraded ErasmusIntern.org platform to support students and employers in finding the right match. At the same time, the partners will work to develop strong institutional support: encouraging universities to treat traineeships as a core mobility option rather than a secondary opportunity and to look into improvements in the preparation programmes that help equip trainees with essential cultural and professional knowledge. In this way offering students the best conditions to kick-start their international traineeship experience. Collaborative action among universities, policymakers, and employers is crucial to ensure equitable access to high-quality international work experiences . Whether it is for a student that has already been in mobility and is looking for their next international experience or for students that did not have the chance during their studies and want to move from education to employment by challenging themselves abroad. The DETAS project partners aim to engage all these actors to support all students and to make Erasmus+ traineeships a seamless and rewarding journey, cultivating globally competent graduates across Europe. For more details, the full report is available here .
- 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.
- The EU Education and Training Monitor is out! Is Europe on track?
On 12 November, the European Commission published the Education and Training Monitor 2025 . This report presents the annual analysis of the recent development and trends on education and training systems across the 27 Member states. The 2025 edition provides a spotlight on STEM education and basic skills attainment, before zooming in on its classic chapters for each sector of learning. The specific focus of this year is aligned with the recent initiatives published under the Union of Skills . The Monitor contains three parts: a comparative report, a toolbox, and country reports. The demand for STEM specialists to improve EU competitiveness appears centrally in this Monitor, despite instrumentalising education and training for specific labour market needs. This shift toward STEM fields risks undermining a more holistic approach to learning which might require the inclusion of arts of humanities, but also of key competences for lifelong learning. Some of the findings are worrisome. The spotlight on basic skills identifies a strong connection between underachievement and socio-economic background of learners , raising concerns regarding equity. Digital skills are strongly related to the socio-economic background, with students whose parents do not hold a higher education degree more likely to under-perform in this area. Learners from affluent families outperform their less advantaged peers on civic knowledge. To mitigate this, the report reminds that trained teachers and parental involvement can address certain of these challenges. On the positive side, the percentage of early school leaving is at an all time low with 9.4% , although there are still multidimensional disparities that impact student success, including their migration and socio-economic status, as well as their location, the overall results highlights that this tendency is declining. Read the full report here
- Opening VET: Key Takeaways on Open Schooling from the EVBB EU PolicyCamp 2025
The EVBB EU Policy Camp 2025, held at the VET House in Brussels, from the 29th of September to the 2nd of October showed how the open school philosophy is radically transforming VET across Europe. Bringing together educators, policymakers, and VET experts, the three-day event focused not only on policy, but also on practical, community-driven innovation to promote inclusion and sustainability. The central message was clear: VET institutions must become open ecosystems integrated within their communities. VET as a Local Learning Ecosystem The event focused on reimagining VET as a local learning ecosystem that connects education with sustainability, inclusion, and community development. It explored how VET institutions can act as community hubs, living laboratories, and makerspaces—centres of innovation that strengthen social cohesion and promote hands-on learning for sustainable futures. It also highlighted initiatives that make VET more inclusive and aligned with Europe’s future skills needs, empowering marginalised youth, linking curricula with the Sustainable Development Goals, and integrating sports education to foster lifelong learning and dual career pathways. Finally, the discussions emphasized the need for a united European strategy for VET, enhancing cooperation among networks, aligning with EU priorities, and equipping educators with tools to connect competence frameworks with community-driven, inclusive, and innovative learning models. Exploring Innovation in Education: Study Visits to European Schoolnet and Technobel The study visits during the EVBB Policy Camp in Brussels offered participants a hands-on look at how education and training are evolving in the digital era. At European Schoolnet, participants explored the Future Classroom Lab, an experimental space where technology, pedagogy, and learning environments merge to enhance engagement and innovation. Discussions with experts provided insights into how digital transformation is reshaping education across Europe. The visit to Technobel, a Belgian training centre for digital skills, showcased practical, experience-based learning through coding labs, virtual reality, and maker spaces—demonstrating how modern VET institutions prepare learners for today’s digital economy. Both visits underlined how innovative, well-designed learning environments can bridge education and technology, inspiring new models for schools and training centres across Europe. The Policy Camp concluded that open schooling is a key European pathway for turning VET institutions into inclusive, connected, and sustainable local learning ecosystems. Learn more: https://evbb.eu/news/open-schooling-in-vet-highlights-from-the-evbb-eu-policy-camp-2025/












