European Commission Publishes 2026 Work Programme: Opportunities for Skills, Education, and Inclusion

The European Commission has released its 2026 Work Programme, outlining the key strategies, action plans, and legislative initiatives that will guide the second year of its mandate. Building on President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines, the programme sets the direction for a strong, secure, and prosperous Europe.

The Work Programme highlights significant opportunities in the areas of education, skills, the labour market, and inclusion. It emphasises the importance of upskilling and reskilling, fostering lifelong learning, and enhancing the recognition of skills and qualifications across EU Member States.

A strong focus is also placed on mobility, both for learners and talents, supporting cross-border exchanges and collaboration. The programme underlines the need to reduce inequalities, improve access for disadvantaged groups, and strengthen connections between employers, education institutions, and local authorities.

These priorities resonate closely with EARLALL’s ongoing initiatives, including Regional Skills Partnerships, mobility projects, VET and apprenticeship programmes, and activities aimed at fostering inclusion and equal opportunities. By aligning our work with the EU’s strategic direction, EARLALL can continue to strengthen regional cooperation, innovation in education and training, and the professional development of learners across Europe.

From 13 to 18 October 2025, more than 10,000 ErasmusDays events took place across Europe — and one of them brought together educators, project partners, and international volunteers in Borås Municipality, Västra Götaland Region.

The event featured an inspiring exhibition and a series of project presentations, moderated by Ms. Malin Gemzell. Throughout the day, participants highlighted the strong European cooperation and innovation emerging from local and regional initiatives.

Mr. Hans Johansson, Head of Labour Market Initiatives at the Working Life Department, shared insights from a job shadowing activity carried out within Erasmus+ Key Action 1: Mobility in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. Reflecting on the experience, he noted:

“We face roughly the same challenges but have different solutions.”

This spirit of mutual learning was also reflected in other initiatives presented during the event. The Department of Early Childhood Education showcased the recently completed Erasmus+ KA2 project “Digital Creativity Use for Learning and Teaching in Educational Framework of Early Childhood.” The project resulted in a multilingual handbook developed in cooperation with the Federazione Provinciale Scuole Materne (Trento) and the University of Borås.

The Leisure and Public Health Department, acting as one of Sweden’s Eurodesk offices, presented its work as both a sending and hosting organisation for international volunteers. Among them are Mohamed Ma Mohammed Yassine Mansouri El Ghmari from Barcelona (Catalonia) and Iratxe Olaizola Vargas from Bilbao (Basque Country) — both actively engaged in youth and community activities in Borås.

Additionally, the Department of Compulsory Education introduced a creative Erasmus+ project exploring art and storytelling in mathematics education, while the Department of Upper Secondary Schools and Adult Education continues to be actively involved in Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility projects.

The ErasmusDays celebration in Borås once again demonstrated how regional collaboration and European partnerships can strengthen skills, creativity, and inclusion across all levels of education and training.

For more information, please contact malin.gemzell@boras.se

On 28 October 2025, EARLALL joined the webinar “Making Skills Recognition More Inclusive: How Can the Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Better Serve the Most Vulnerable?”. Organized by the Social Innovation Initiative, this event brought together ESF+ stakeholders, NGOs and Managing Authorities to explore how validation systems can better support inclusion across Europe.

Validation as a Tool for Inclusion

The event opened with Jörgen Markowitsch, Thematic Expert of the ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills, who emphasized the crucial role of lifelong learning platforms such as LLLP (Lifelong learning platform) in addressing both skills shortages and the human dimension of current crises. Markowitsch underlined the need to make validation systems more accessible, especially for those furthest from the labour market.

Following this, Ernesto Villalba-García, Expert in VET Supporting Policies at CEDEFOP, delivered a keynote titled “Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning in Europe: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion?”, outlining how the understanding of non-formal and informal learning is essential for building inclusive education and training systems. Villalba-García highlighted that skills must evolve from invisible to visible, to recognize diverse forms of learning and ensuring that skills gained outside traditional systems are valued.

National Perspectives

Two breakout sessions provided insights from Germany and Portugal, encouraging participants in the webinar to discuss and exchange experiences. In the German session, participants explored how ValiKom has transitioned from a project into a national policy framework, now embedded in Germany’s Vocational Training Act. Marcus Flachmeyer from HeurekaNet, shared examples from the elderly care sector, demonstrating the validation of informally and non-formally skills support workforce. The session concluded with a discussion moderated by Jörg Markowitsch, focusing on integrating validation within broader vocational systems.

In the Portuguese session, Paula Guimarães, Assistant Professor at University of Lisbon, highlighted how validation of skills has become a cornerstone of lifelong learning in Portugal. Continued by Marco António Paz, Counselor at INOVINTER Qualifica Centre Lisbon, who shared practical insights from qualification centre. Their examples illustrated how to bridge the gap between adult education, labour market integration and social inclusion.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Inclusive Validation

The webinar concluded with a shared understanding that validation systems must go beyond recognition to empower individuals. As part of its ongoing commitment, EARLALL continues to promote skills recognition as a driver of social inclusion and regional development, particularly for vulnerable groups.

On 27 October, EARLALL’s Communication Manager, Alicia Gabán, was invited to present the association’s efforts to promote mobility through Lifelong Learning at the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) Working Group on Internationalisation of Education and Training. She was accompanied by the Working Group on Mobility co-chair, Nicholas Waller (Working Life Department at the Boras Stad).

The meeting was chaired by Giulia Meschino (LLLP Steering Committee/EVTA). The session began with participant introductions and updates from within LLLP, including a presentation on the newly established Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), created by the European Commission on 1 February 2025. This new Directorate-General aims to foster strong partnerships with the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf regions to promote sustainable prosperity and resilience. Participants also discussed the EU’s upcoming VET Strategy and ongoing collaboration with the Global Citizenship Education Alliance, ensuring that stakeholders’ voices continue to shape policy development.

EARLALL’s Contribution: Regional Skills Partnerships for Lifelong Learning Mobility

EARLALL contributed to the meeting with a presentation highlighting its Regional Skills Partnerships for Lifelong Learning Mobility. This initiative is part of EARLALL’s Working Group on Mobility, which fosters collaboration with key European initiatives such as the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and the Pact for Skills.

A key achievement of the Working Group has been the launch of the Mobility Matchmaking Platform, a tool that enables members to exchange knowledge and organise study visits, job shadowing, or combined activities. Promoted across multiple working groups, the platform strengthens cross-regional cooperation and internationalisation efforts.

Within this framework, EARLALL is also leading the Regional Pact for Skills in Lifelong Learning Mobility, aimed at boosting VET mobility across Europe. The Pact promotes lifelong learning and professional opportunities through activities such as online training, webinars and the exchange of best practices in mobility. Another important initiative presented was the Working Group’s ongoing work on collecting good practices that promote mobility for people with fewer opportunities. A fact sheet summarizing the first results will be released soon.

Additional Contributions and Outcomes from EFIL and the University of Minho

The session also featured presentations from the European Federation for Intercultural Learning, (EFIL) and the University of Minho. Emma Varan Oien, School Relations Project Officer from EFIL, showcased research on fostering global citizenship values through teaching and mobility, introducing resources and toolkits for educators. Joao Mourato Pinto, Assistant Professor at the University of Minho, explored the evolution of Erasmus+ from a domestic education program to a strategic EU soft power instrument.

The Working Group on Internationalisation of Education and Training meeting concluded with an invitation to join the 15th Lifelong Learning Week 8-12 December.

EARLALL joined Education for Climate Day 2025 on 23 October, this year held under the theme Learning to Prepare. The event gathered educators, students, policymakers and innovators to discuss how education can foster a culture of preparedness in the face of climate change.

Panel discussions explored preparedness across different sectors, with particular focus on highlighting education’s essential role in building a proactive and resilient society. The day opened with remarks by Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission, who set the tone for a day of exchange and inspiration.

The first roundtable, moderated by Johnny Dabrowski, Coordinator at the Climate Education Coalition, examined how international frameworks can be translated into practical, resilience-building strategies for education in Europe.

Meriela Buonomo, Senior Specialist at the Education Programme IIEP-UNESCO, emphasised that “education is not only a victim of climate change, it is also an agent for resilience.” Buonomo stressed the need to identify both vulnerabilities and capacities within education systems to strengthen their response to climate challenges. Building on this, Erik Guilyardi, Climate Scientist at CNRS-IPSL and President of the Office for Climate Education, underlined the importance of interdisciplinarity: “We want to build the citizens of tomorrow, not just students who have good knowledge about climate.” Guilyardi advocated for stronger collaboration with local actors to contextualise scientific knowledge for learners at all levels.

Dr Iryna Nikolayeva, Lead of In the MOOD for Climate Action at the Learning Planet Institute, reflected on the shift needed in education systems that were designed for the industrial era. “We now need people with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience,” Nikolayeva said, stressing the importance of soft skills in addressing climate challenges. The panel concluded with Bella Nestorova, Team Leader for Disaster Risk and Resilience at DG ECHO, who referred to a Eurobarometer survey showing that two-thirds of Europeans want to learn how to cope with risks. She highlighted the need to integrate preparedness into school curricula and empower educators as key multipliers.

The second panel moved from classrooms to communities, examining how local actors can help learners develop the skills needed to navigate climate disruptions. Dr Aravella Zachariou, Head of Unit for ESD in Cyprus and Chair of the UNECE ESD Steering Committee, illustrated how climate change affects not only ecosystems but also culture, using the example of a traditional woven basket no longer possible to create due to environmental shifts. Rozabela Singh, Project Planner for BALTFLOODS, presented the case of Lappeenranta in Finland, where citizen engagement and real-time data are helping the city prepare for floods and reduce pollution, highlighting three key points such as the opportunity to codesign cities for community engagement, involving residents to make cities a space for them.

Valentina Di Giuseppe Di Paolo, Expert in Voluntary Work at Italy’s Civil Protection Department, shared best practices such as experimental programmes in kinder garten using games and comic strips like Io Non Rischio to teach preparedness in an engaging and inclusive way.

Education for Climate Day 2025 served as a strong reminder that education is key to equipping people and communities to act and adapt in a changing world. EARLALL’s participation aligns with its mission to promote lifelong learning and skills for sustainable regional development, ensuring that regions and local authorities remain at the forefront of Europe’s transition toward a climate-resilient and inclusive future.

EARLALL joined the EPALE Community Conference to celebrate its 10 anniversary on 23 October, aimed at connecting, cooperating and reflecting on learning in the age of AI.

The conference opened with a speech by Wilhelm Vukovich, DG EAC of the European Commission, who discussed both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for education. He highlighted AI’s potential to personalise learning, enhance accessibility and remove barriers for individuals excluded from formal education. However, Vukovich cautioned about ethical concerns, data security and the importance of preserving the human touch in education, stating that “The human touch remains irreplaceable”. He praised EPALE’s role in fostering lifelong learning by supporting educators and promoting innovative approaches for learning.

Following this, Jill Peiffer and Margret Zeiner, representing Belgian Erasmus+ National Agencies (EPOS vzw & Jugendbüro), explored shared priorities among French, Flanders, and German-speaking communities in Belgium. Concluding by emphasizing lifelong learning as a driver of personal and regional growth, underlining the common commitment of all communities to adult education.

EPALE ambassadors then presented their initiatives to broaden access to education. Lut Lippeveld shared her work supporting education in prisons, highlighting efforts to engage excluded learners. Jenny Clavereau continued speaking about the potential of microcredentials and sharing EPALE toolkits across networks, while Pierre Goffin (SPW Wallonie) emphasised cross-regional collaboration, focusing on developing soft skills alongside technical expertise. Collectively, the ambassadors highlighted how EPALE fosters knowledge sharing, partnership building and innovative approaches for inclusive learning

across Europe.

Baert argued that the AI “honeymoon” is over, fundamental LLM flaws persist, business models remain uncertain and society risks eroding its knowledge systems if it fails to critically distinguish human intelligence from machine imitation. Without sounding to harsh, Baert encouraged the participants to view it as a tool, and to always think critically when using AI, trusting peer reviewed material above AI models.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from the moderators, celebrating EPALE’s decade-long commitment to connecting educators, sharing practices, and inspiring innovation to ensure inclusive and lifelong learning for all. By taking part in this milestone event, EARLALL continues to support and promote more and better learning opportunities for all adults across Europe, in line with the goals of the EPALE community and the Erasmus+ programme.

On 23 October 2025, EARLALL took part in two important European events focused on skills development and lifelong learning: Cedefop’s workshop on “Microcredentials and the Future of Learning” and the Pact for Skills 2025 Networking Event. Both gatherings offered valuable insights into trends and initiatives shaping Europe’s skills agenda, aligning closely with EARLALL’s work in supporting regional cooperation on education and workforce development.

Exploring Microcredentials and the Future of Learning

At Cedefop’s virtual workshop, experts and stakeholders discussed the growing role of microcredentials in providing flexible learning pathways and supporting upskilling and reskilling across Europe.

The event highlighted how microcredentials can enhance access to learning and better respond to labour market needs – topics closely connected to EARLALL’s ongoing efforts to promote lifelong learning in European regions.

Networking for Skills: The Pact for Skills 2025 Event

On the same day, EARLALL also attended the Pact for Skills 2025 Networking Event, which brought together Pact members and organisations to share experiences, achievements, and opportunities for collaboration. The event featured panels, networking sessions, and one-to-one meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships across sectors.

Notably, the LCAMP project (Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform), in which EARLALL is involved, was highlighted in one of the panels as an example of a regional skills partnership supporting innovation and cooperation in advanced manufacturing.

As leader of one of the Regional Skills Partnerships under the Pact, EARLALL valued the chance to connect with other members and explore potential synergies for future initiatives.

EARLALL’s participation in both events reflects its continued engagement in European-level discussions on learning and skills, ensuring that regional perspectives remain central to shaping the future of workforce development and lifelong learning.

On 22 October, EARLALL joined EAfA’s webinar on inclusive apprenticeships in STEM, highlighting the crucial role of lifelong learning and apprenticeships in promoting diversity and advancing Europe’s skills agenda.

Addressing gender stereotypes and unlocking talent

Opening the session, Anna Barbieri (DG EMPL) highlighted EAfA’s mission to enhance the quality and image of apprenticeships in the EU. Andrea Leruste from the European Commission emphasized that gender stereotypes still limit women’s participation in STEM, leading to missed innovation opportunities. She underlined that inclusive apprenticeships can help unlock talent and support the EU’s Union of Skills initiative.

Best practices from across Europe

The second part of the webinar featured elevator pitches showcasing best practices for gender inclusion in apprenticeships.

Charlotte Otten (SolarPower Europe) presented their gender equality strategy, highlighting actions like inclusive hiring, mentoring, and visibility for success stories, which led to a 50% gender balance in their workforce. Aidan Kenny (Technological University Dublin) discussed Ireland’s progress in developing apprenticeship consortia and the need to address social and economic barriers limiting women’s access to STEM programmes. Kristian Jensen (Boss Ladies) shared efforts to support women and minorities in male-dominated fields through mentorship, storytelling, and community building to foster lasting cultural change in STEM.

Research and EU initiatives driving change

The third segment offered an evidence-based view on gender in STEM.

Isabelle Le Mouillour (BIBB) presented research showing that women remain underrepresented in STEM apprenticeships and highlighted the need for inclusive classroom environments and diverse role models. Natalia Molina Calavita (EIT RawMaterials) introduced the Girls Go STEM initiative, which has empowered over 70,000 girls across Europe with digital and green skills and now aims to reach 100,000. Eva Fabry (ECWT) shared efforts to advance gender equality in VET through mentoring and open resources that have supported 38,000 young women, calling for long-term, systemic action to make diversity and inclusion a lasting driver of innovation.

Key takeaways and way forward

A closing poll asked participants what they believed to be the main barrier to gender balance in apprenticeships. Nearly half (49%) identified cultural stereotypes and bias, followed by company practices and recruitment policies (19%), family or societal expectations (15%) and lack of role models (11%).

The discussion concluded with a shared understanding that apprenticeships sit at the crossroads of education and employment, offering a powerful platform to tackle inequality while meeting Europe’s evolving skills needs. Through collaboration across sectors, from education and research to business and policy, the EU continues to promote inclusive apprenticeship pathways that close the gender gap and strengthen Europe’s talent base for the green and digital transitions.

EARLALL’s ongoing commitment

EARLALL is leading the EAfA Community of Practice on the role of regions and cities in promoting apprenticeships, showcasing how local and regional authorities can build stronger apprenticeship systems and support skills development across Europe.

In this context, EARLALL also promotes initiatives such as the QUEEN project – Quality Apprenticeships for Evolving Labour Needs, which empowers youth and adults through high-quality apprenticeships that adapt to changing labour markets and foster inclusive, sustainable career pathways for all.

EARLALL’s Working Groups on Skills and the Labour Market and Youth Policies continue to follow the EAfA agenda, working to strengthen the quality, inclusiveness, and attractiveness of apprenticeships across European regions.

On 21 October, EARLALL took part in the online event “The Union of Skills: What Implications for the Governance of Skills Systems?”, organised by the Governance Learning, Action and Dialogues (GLAD) network of the European Training Foundation (ETF).

The meeting gathered around 80 participants from across Europe and neighbouring regions, including representatives from Kosovo, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Albania, and Romania.

Introducing the Union of Skills

The event presented the concept of the Union of Skills (UoS), a flagship initiative of the new European Commission mandate, announced within its first 100 days, underlining its strategic importance for the next five years.

Key messages from the presentation included:

• The Union of Skills will be central to Europe’s competitiveness, as highlighted in the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal.
• It represents a radical step change in ambition and action, covering all skills, across all levels of education and learning, acquired in diverse contexts – within and beyond the EU.
• The initiative aims both to retain talent in Europe and attract talent from outside.
• It seeks to provide a unified vision, connecting action, investment, and governance – breaking silos, amplifying efforts, and reflecting the collective responsibility of all actors.

The Union of Skills addresses three fundamental challenges that currently hinder the EU’s competitiveness, as outlined in the Draghi, Letta and Niinistö reports:

1. Skills shortages and gaps – Europe faces a lack of skilled graduates and vocational workers, particularly in crafts occupations critical to industry, and a decline in basic and digital skills among young people.
2. The transformation speed gap – labour market needs are changing rapidly, while education systems are slow to adapt to technological advances and the green transition. There is a critical shortage of STEM skills, particularly affecting SMEs, four out of five of which report difficulties in finding qualified workers.
3. Fragmented governance and skills intelligence – skills policy involves numerous actors and ministries, often resulting in fragmented policymaking. Better coordination and use of skills intelligence and forecasting are needed to match future labour market demand with supply.

Contributions from Country Representatives

Özdemir Tiflis, National Education Expert at the Turkish Ministry of National Education, presented the main features of Türkiye’s lifelong learning and VET systems. He highlighted the country’s multi-stakeholder approach involving employers, training providers, and national and international partners. Funding comes from both domestic and international sources, ensuring sustainability and innovation.

Stanislaw Drzazdżewski, representing the Polish Ministry of Education and Science, noted that many of the challenges identified in the OECD Skills Strategy align with those addressed by the Union of Skills, particularly the mobilisation of diverse actors – not only in formal but also in non-formal and informal learning.

He explained that Poland has a strong tradition of formal education, which remains dominant compared to non-formal and informal learning – a situation shared by many Central and Eastern European countries. However, Poland’s achievements are notable: it ranks first in the EU, with 95% of adults having completed upper secondary education, reflecting the strength of its formal education system.

Discussion and Next Steps

The session concluded with a discussion and Q&A, during which participants exchanged perspectives on the strategic direction of the Union of Skills and explored opportunities for collaboration within its framework.

The event once again underlined the importance of cross-country cooperation and shared governance to address Europe’s growing skills challenges and ensure that education and training systems remain fit for the future.

15–16 October 2025, Brussels – EARLALL participated in the EIT Education and Skills Days 2025, an inspiring, forward-looking gathering dedicated to one of Europe’s greatest challenges – and opportunities: building the skills base that will sustain Europe’s competitiveness in the digital age.

The two-day programme brought together EU representatives, regional authorities, universities, VET and adult learning providers, industry leaders, startups and civil society. Discussions explored how innovation ecosystems can respond to current and future labour-market needs, how to connect education with business, and how to ensure that the Union of Skills vision translates into concrete action across Europe’s territories.

The EU Hight Level opening started from Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, underlined the urgency of addressing Europe’s skills shortages as a prerequisite for competitiveness and growth.

“Our competitiveness struggles because of the skills shortages. This is why the European Commission launched the European Union of Skills, accompanied by a strategic plan,” she stated. She emphasized that the EIT Skills Academies play a crucial role in connecting education with the market, bridging the gap between business needs and talent development. “Without bringing together education and business,” she noted, “we will not be successful.”

Looking ahead, Mr Damianou noted that as Cyprus prepares for its EU Council Presidency in 2026, the country remains committed to advancing the Union of Skills and ensuring alignment between Europe’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy and its innovation and education policies.

Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), underlined the interdependence between scientific knowledge, innovation, and practical skills.

Speakers underlined that skills shortages are a strategic risk for Europe. Building the Union of Skills requires: tighter links between education, research and business; entrepreneurial and transversal skills (communication, problem-solving, teamwork) alongside technical expertise; open, portable credentials and reliable recognition to support mobility across sectors and borders.

The high-level discussion focused on how Europe can strengthen its talent base through skills, innovation and collaboration. Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, underlined that skills are central to Europe’s competitiveness and must be seen as part of a lifelong learning journey. Representing the European Commission, Antoneta (DG EAC) highlighted the unique value of the EIT model, combining education, research and business to boost competitiveness, promote STEM education, and ensure no region or gender is left behind. Steven Engels, Head of Unit,  Professional Qualifications and Skills for Competitiveness from European Commission stressed the importance of industry involvement and reliable, portable microcredentials that reflect real competences and support workforce mobility. Finally, Yun Luo, CEO of ROSI, showcased how the EIT’s support for startups helps connect sustainability, innovation and talent, emphasizing interdisciplinary skills and a gender-equal work culture as key to Europe’s green and digital future.

EIT Skills Academies: from blueprint to delivery

Building Europe’s Net-Zero Workforce showcased progress on the Net-Zero Industry Academies, including the European Solar Academy and the European Battery Academy

With the raw materials sector at a crossroads, leaders from industry, VET and higher education highlighted the European Raw Materials Academy as a bridge between industrial demand and education supply, aiming to equip the workforce for the green and digital transitions. Stakeholders presented a shared vision to train large numbers of learners in advanced materials, translating science into market impact and embedding interdisciplinarity across programmes.

Deep Tech Talent

The EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative spotlighted the need to train one million people in deep tech skills and to ensure inclusive, flexible training pathways. Discussions stressed: curricula that adapt quickly to real-world needs; university–VET–industry partnerships and tech-transfer ecosystems; EU-aligned micro-credentials for lifelong learning and labour-market mobility.

Impact stories from training providers and startups illustrated how co-created programmes accelerate uptake of AI and advanced technologies across regions, including in rural areas.

Girls in STEM: ambition and opportunity

Anna Lindén (Governing Board Member, EIT) opened the second day by announcement of the Girls Go STEM, emphasizing that “the future depends on students – and we must act.” Bold objectives were reiterated: 2.3 million people trained by 2028, and hundreds of thousands of girls inspired, with Girls Go Circular aiming to train 40,000 girls by 2027.

The panel discussion explored the wide range of cybersecurity careers – beyond coding – including roles in design, psychology, law, and policy. How diverse perspectives, especially from women, are essential to shaping a safer digital future

The event also celebrated the creativity of young innovators, as three finalist teams pitched their cybersecurity solutions before an expert jury and audience. Winners received the Cambridge University Press & Assessment Prize – a trip to Cambridge to meet inspiring women in tech and explore the university’s innovation ecosystem.

The second part of the day focused on the EIT Higher Education Initiative, exploring its impact, alignment with EU priorities, and the soft launch of the 2025 Call. Discussions addressed how higher education can balance research, education, and innovation, foster entrepreneurship and interdisciplinarity, and strengthen university – industry partnerships based on trust and shared value. Speakers also reflected on what defines an entrepreneurial mindset in academia and how leadership can drive innovation culture.

The event concluded with remarks from Luca Perego, Head of Unit for Innovation and EIT at the European Commission, and Ilaria Tagliavini, Head of Operations for Innovation, Education and Communication at EIT.

EARLALL remains committed to making lifelong learning the engine of Europe’s innovation capacity – ensuring that every region can attract, develop and retain the talent needed for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive future.

As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) 2025, EARLALL highlighted how lifelong learning fosters regional development, inclusion, and innovation across Europe. From 14 to 15 October, its stand at the Exhibition Hall provided an excellent opportunity to connect with regional and local authorities and showcase EU-funded projects and activities alongside its members.

Throughout the week, EARLALL collaborated with member regions, partners, and the European Commission to demonstrate how education and skills policies can unlock the potential of people and territories. Participants experienced firsthand how regions are placing lifelong learning at the heart of sustainable growth.

EARLALL Stand: Regional Representatives Driving Skills and Inclusion
EARLALL’s stand at the EWRC highlighted our diverse projects and regional initiatives focused on skills, inclusion and lifelong learning. Participants could explore a video introducing EARLALL and its member regions and engage directly with regional representatives, and learn about our joint efforts to strengthen local skills ecosystems.

Our member regions played an active role in presenting their initiatives, such as:

• Basque Country – Shared in-depth insights on LCAMP (Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform for CoVEs), promoted the LCAMP Alliance, and the upcoming conference (21–23 April 2026).
• Centre-Val de Loire – Presented Métiers en scène, demonstrating initiatives to attract youth to vocational education and professions.
• Castilla y León – Introduced the Talent Strategy 2031 through a video presentation.

Other network members representatives, including Vestland City Council, Autonomous Province of Trento, Borås Stad, and Bretagne, among others, shared regional experiences and explored potential partnerships.

Initiatives and EU-Funded Actions
Stakeholders showed strong interest in EARLALL’s initiatives and in the role of lifelong learning in fostering regional resilience and social inclusion. Conversations covered both policy and practical implementation, including funding strategies and opportunities for transnational collaboration. EARLALL’s stand highlighted its EU-funded projects, such as:

• WISE – Supporting Ukrainian refugee women’s socio-economic integration and wellbeing
• TRAILS – Tackling skills shortages through data-driven regional strategies
• SMALEI – Sustainability Matrix for Adult Learning Institutions
• Lifelong Guidance 5.0 – Advancing inclusive guidance systems across territories

Other EU-funded initiatives, including SKYLA, SALAM, QUEEN, and LeadEx, projects funded by the Interreg Europé Programme, demonstrated the impact of interregional cooperation, showcasing how members work together to enhance skills, labour inclusion, and innovation across Europe.

Knowledge Exchange
The European Week of Regions and Cities was a great opportunity to showcase EARLALL’s activities, including the EARLALL Academy and its working groups. The stand highlighted tailored training and peer-learning sessions, while working groups and sectoral skills analysis webinars demonstrated how good practices are shared across affiliated regions, fostering collaboration and supporting regional priorities. EARLALL Academy’s Activities Coordinator, Camilla Winter (associate member), was present at the stand to share her experience and discuss upcoming Academy activities with visitors.

Complementary Sessions: Gender Equality and Local Empowerment
In addition to the EARLALL stand, two key sessions further explored EARLALL shared priorities:

• Workshop “The Power Within: Territories and People Realising Their Potential”, with Västra Götalandsregionen, explored how regions can transform brain drain into growth.
• Inclusive Regions, Safer Spaces, with the Gender Equality Task Force, examined strategies to create safer, more inclusive learning and working environments, promoting equality across territories.

Investing in Skills and Growth
EARLALL’s presence at European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 showcased the network’s capacity to strengthen lifelong learning, social inclusion and regional development. Exchanges with affiliated regions, stakeholders and experts confirmed that investing in knowledge creates communities where everyone has not just the right, but also the reason, to stay and thrive.

On 14 October, EARLALL joined forces with FORMA.Azione srl, the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), and EfVET through the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning to host a workshop during the 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities. The session, titled “Inclusive Regions, Safer Spaces: Local and Regional Approaches to Gender Equality, Wellbeing and Digital Safety in Education”, explored how local and regional actions can contribute to building safer, more inclusive environments for living and learning.

The workshop focused on innovative and participatory initiatives that address gender inequalities and social perceptions, particularly within educational and workplace settings. Participants engaged in self-reflection and peer-to-peer discussions, facilitated by Yiannis Karoumpalos, educator and project manager at Dafni KEK.

A Call for Equality and Safety

The event opened with remarks by Sylvia Liuti, Gender Expert at FORMA.Azione and honorary member of the Task Force, who highlighted that gender equality is not only a human rights issue but also a question of professionalism, business competitiveness and economic growth. She shared striking data showing that one in three women have experienced physical violence, and that younger generations, such as Generation Z, are showing less support for gender equality than older ones.

Ms Liuti also presented the GenderEd Coalition Project, which empowers individuals to challenge gender-based disinformation and misogyny while promoting changes in attitudes necessary to ensure safety and equality in public and learning spaces.

Regional Perspectives from Umbria

Simona Meloni, Councillor for Gender Equality and Agriculture at the Umbria Region, presented her region’s approach to combating gender-based violence and promoting the inclusion of women in society and the workplace. Ms Meloni also shared demographic data illustrating a declining birth rate and persistent gender disparities in employment and leadership positions, noting that “creating spaces of trust for women is essential to reduce violence and foster participation.”

Inspiring Practices from Vocational Education

Lorena Ripoll Ferri, Manager of the EdTWomenDays initiative at the Escola del Treball, presented a VET project designed to encourage more women to pursue traditionally male-dominated technical and engineering fields. Since its launch in 2023, the project has involved over 3,000 students across ten vocational areas, including chemistry, manufacturing and IT.

Reflecting on Safer Learning Spaces

Facilitator Yiannis Karoumpalos led participants through a reflection activity titled “How Can We Build Gender-Equal, Safer Spaces for All?”. The session invited participants to explore personal experiences of inclusion and exclusion, discuss how gender and power dynamics influence learning spaces, and co-create a list of “barriers” and “builders” to gender equality.

The workshop concluded with a powerful reflection from Paola Freire:

“If the structure does not permit dialogue, the structure must be changed.”

More about Gender Equality Task Force.