EAEA and the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLPlatform) have initiated an Interest Group on Lifelong Learning together with Members of the European Parliament. Hosted by MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (Finland, EPP), the group brings together civil society representatives and MEPs to discuss various key issues connected to lifelong learning. The first meeting took place in Brussels on 16th of April 2015.

“The idea is to have an interest group on lifelong learning with a strong emphasis on adult education. An important reason to form the group 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 Commission is doing,” explains Gina Ebner, Secretary-General of EAEA.

The focus of 2015–2016 is “Inclusive education for inclusive societies“. The Group aims to fight inequalities and discrimination in education in order to reach the Europe 2020 and Education and Training 2020 headline targets and contribute to the EU growth strategy this way.