Following successful workshops in Borås and Tuscany, the TRAILS – Enabling data analytics for actions tackling skills shortages & mismatch – project continued its journey to Baden-Württemberg (Germany) on 9–10 December 2025. The workshops were organised by Andrea Bernert-Bürkle (Volkshochschulverband Baden-Württemberg) and Regine Zizelmann (Landesnetzwerk Weiterbildungsberatung Baden-Württemberg), with facilitation support from EARLALL, of which Baden-Württemberg is a member. The sessions were led by Sylvana Hiltrop and Mary Ramsis from SkillLab.

The event brought together a diverse group of regional stakeholders, including representatives from counselling organisations, adult education providers, and universities. The discussions focused on understanding the regional ecosystem of education, guidance, and employment support services, while highlighting the added value of a skills-based approach to better connect people, learning opportunities, and jobs.

Day 1 – Organisational Strategy and Ecosystem Mapping

The first day engaged ecosystem actors in exploring how the TRAILS pilot could be integrated into existing regional guidance and counselling structures. A key objective was to strengthen skills-based approaches without creating duplication, ensuring that AI-enabled tools complement and enhance current services.

Day 2 – Practical Application and User Perspectives

On the second day, caseworkers, teachers, and migrants actively seeking employment were invited to test SkillLab’s AI-powered skills assessment tool, which draws on a database of more than 13,900 skills aligned with the ESCO taxonomy.

Participants showed strong interest in the tool’s ability to capture informal learning and life experiences. For many migrants, the AI-supported assessment helped translate diverse backgrounds into detailed and recognisable skill profiles, supporting more informed career choices and enabling counsellors to adopt a more skills-oriented approach.

These workshops are a core element of TRAILS’ wider research on how personalised skills assessments can increase participation in training across Europe. By generating and applying detailed skills intelligence, the project aims to better align learning pathways with evolving labour market needs, reinforcing the role of regions as key actors in shaping inclusive and responsive lifelong learning systems.

On 16 December, EARLALL participated in the RESKILLING Annual Virtual Stakeholder Event,From Automation to Employment: Skills for Europe’s Transport Future. The event focused on the transformation of the mobility sector driven by Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM), discussing strategies to prepare the workforce, enhance skills and ensure inclusive and sustainable deployment.

Matina Loukea, RESKILLING Coordinator at CERTH-HIT, presented the RESKILLING project, a Horizon Europe initiative that promotes a strategic and inclusive approach to strengthening Europe’s mobility workforce. The project’s framework is built around three pillars:

  1. Stakeholder engagement – fostering collaboration among public authorities, industry, and civil society.
  2. Jobs, skills and education – anticipating workforce transformations and providing targeted training and reskilling.
  3. Growth and innovation – supporting business model innovation and new employment opportunities.

The webinar showcased several topics connected to mobility and transport. The first session, Understanding the Impacts of CCAM on Jobs & Skills, mapped the jobs affected by CCAM and identified four main job families: technical, social, commercial, and education. The session underscored the importance of anticipating workforce transformations in these sectors, while maintaining competitiveness and ensuring inclusive and just transitions. The second segment focused on Preparing Workers and Social Frameworks. Key points included maintaining job quality and ensuring mobility as a fundamental right through the promotion of social dialogue. The discussion emphasized the need to design policies that enable safe transitions for workers while fostering fair and sustainable deployment of CCAM technologies.

The third intervention addressed Training and Reskilling Needs for Current and Emerging CCAM Roles. It addressed the need for structured training and retraining modules aligned with the Pact for Skills to foster job creation and growth. The discussion also focused on business model innovation for SMEs and start-ups, as well as the integration of social innovation into training and reskilling initiatives. Summarizing the event, the final session underscored the role of Engaging Stakeholders for Inclusive Deployment, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement to ensure the effective and inclusive implementation of CCAM. It highlighted international cooperation and pilot projects as drivers of new employment opportunities, while stressing the need to involve underrepresented groups.

The RESKILLING Annual Stakeholder Event demonstrated that jobs, skills and stakeholder engagement are central to Europe’s mobility transition. By anticipating workforce changes and fostering reskilling, the project offers a model for a future-ready and resilient transport sector. EARLALL continues to promote these insights among regional authorities to strengthen lifelong learning and skills development across Europe.

On 18 December, EARLALL participated in the 4th online coordination meeting of the LeadEx project, bringing together project partners to discuss the progress of ongoing activities and the development of EARLALL’s Joint Regional Educational Diagnosis Report.

The meeting was coordinated by Francisco Veas Iniesta from the Regional Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Region of Murcia and focused on key priorities for the second project semester.

Representatives from the Central Denmark Region introduced the Good Practice Template (GPT). The GPT is designed to translate regional success stories into a structured format, enabling uniform analysis and transferability. By collecting concrete and measurable data, the template supports the identification and exchange of effective practices across LeadEx regions.

Partners from the Podkarpackie Region highlighted the activities focused on Continuous Professional Development for Teachers. These activities aim to identify and share good practices that strengthen teachers’ professional competences and support the alignment of educational strategies across regions. Criteria for good practices include prior implementation, visible results, and clear transferability.

The Estonian Quality Agency for Education then presented the programme of the upcoming study visit to Estonia, scheduled for 9–11 March 2026. The three-day study visit will combine an overview of the Estonian education system, discussions on regional education policy and teachers’ professional development, and study visits to innovative Estonian education and training organisations.

As the communication leader, EARLALL presented the results of the Semester 1 communication report and, in its role as an advisory partner, provided updates on the Joint Regional Educational Diagnosis Report. Data collected from project partners are currently feeding into the report, with analytical work ongoing and the final version expected by mid-February. Key findings will be presented during the study visit in Estonia on 9 March. The report will highlight shared challenges, strengths, and complementarities across regions, thereby supporting evidence-based interregional learning and policy development.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, peer learning, and evidence-based approaches in strengthening teacher development and lifelong learning systems across Europe. Through LeadEx, EARLALL continues to facilitate knowledge exchange among regions and support the co-creation of innovative and inclusive educational policies.

On 10 December 2025, an online coordination meeting of the WISE project (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) took place, with EARLALL participating alongside project partners.

The meeting focused on project implementation updates, with particular emphasis on activities carried out in Italy and Bulgaria, the use and integration of the SkillLab Tool, communication targets, upcoming exchange visits, and progress related to Women Rise monitoring, evaluation and deliverables.

The project coordinator, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), presented an overview of one-to-one employment support and case management, delivered through individual service plans and comprehensive integration pathways. In parallel, a wide range of group activities providing psychosocial support (PSS) were implemented, including creative, cultural and wellbeing-oriented actions such as dance, art workshops, cooking sessions, self-care activities, yoga and theatre initiatives. These activities aim to foster social inclusion, emotional wellbeing and community building among participants.

The meeting also highlighted group employment support activities, including job-readiness sessions, employer engagement, participation in job fairs, mock Italian language certification exams and targeted outreach efforts. Particular attention was given to outreach challenges in larger urban areas and to responding to specific content needs expressed by participants. In addition, IRC reported on staff training activities focused on the Italian legal labour system, covering topics such as taxation, social benefits, self-employment, payslips and employment contracts, ensuring that frontline staff are well equipped to support beneficiaries’ labour market integration.

A key point of discussion was the integration of the SkillLab Tool within the project. Communication matters were also discussed, including the need to clarify key focal points and social media platforms, as well as to further discuss and agree on outreach targets. The meeting further covered Women Rise monitoring and verification procedures.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the preparation of the WISE Exchange Visit, scheduled to take place in Italy from 14 to 16 January 2026. The visit will be hosted at the IRC Holistic Support Center in Rome and will bring together project partners from Laboratorio GruppoAnalisi (LdG), Centro PENC, IRC and the Animus Association.

EARLALL’s participation in the coordination meeting reflects its continued engagement in supporting communication for the WISE project, contributing to the effective and coherent implementation of actions supporting refugee women from Ukraine who have fled the war and are now living in Italy and Bulgaria.

On 16 December 2025, EARLALL hosted a webinar on “Applied Arts & Craftsmanship Sector Skills Analysis: Understanding Skills Challenges and Opportunities in the Applied Arts & Craftsmanship Sector Across European Regions“, bringing together around 25 participants from across Europe, including regional officers, educators, and project professionals. The event was part of EARLALL’s ongoing series examining regional skills needs in key economic sectors, with a focus on sustainable and future-ready workforce development.

Europe’s applied arts and craftsmanship are at the heart of local identity, cultural expression, and regional economies — from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and design — yet the sector faces pressing challenges such as skills shortages, digitalisation pressures, sustainability demands, and generational renewal. The webinar explored how regions and stakeholders are tackling these issues and building growth opportunities.

The webinar opened with welcome and introductory remarks by Alicia Gaban Barrio (EARLALL’s Communications manager), replacing the representative from the Regional Ministry of Education, Catalonia, and EARLALL’s Working Group on Skills and Labour Market, who framed the applied arts and craftsmanship sector as both culturally vital and economically significant. Participants were reminded of the unique blend of tradition, creativity, and innovation that defines Europe’s craft ecosystems, alongside the urgent need to modernise skills pathways and reinforce vocational training systems.

Martha Bloom, policy analyst and economist at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities (CFE), presented a comprehensive overview of the sector’s current dynamics:

  • The creative and artisanal industries play a significant role in regional development and economic activity, with strong contributions to employment and cultural tourism.
  • However, many countries are experiencing declining employment and enrolment in arts and craft education, linked to demographic shifts, urban migration, and reduced training opportunities.
  • Bloom emphasised the importance of upskilling in digital tools, sustainability practices, and research competencies to build resilience across craft professions.

EARLALL Regions sharing applied arts and craftsmanship challenges and opportunities

Centre-Val de Loire (France), Tuscany (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain) shared practical insights and pioneering initiatives aimed at strengthening skills and professional pathways in applied arts and craftsmanship.

Centre-Val de Loire (France): Promoting Craft Careers and Skills

Speakers Anne Rivière, Claire Chartier, and Charlotte Fuchs showcased the Campus des métiers et des qualifications (CMQ), which integrates heritage, arts, and craftsmanship training into a coordinated regional strategy. They also presented « Métiers en scène – the crafts sector », an immersive escape-game experience designed to introduce young people to craft professions through interactive missions, helping to boost visibility and engagement with artisanal careers.

Tuscany (Italy): Structure, Workforce, and Specialisations

Miriana Bucalossi highlighted the structural resilience of Tuscany’s artisan sector, with a workforce of over 240,000 in areas such as leather, textiles, stone, and metal craftsmanship. She described the Bottega Scuola training programme, where master artisans deliver vocational training leading to recognised competency certification. Challenges remain in financing, administrative support, and integrating digital skills — issues that are being addressed through policy and pilot models such as expanding Bottega Scuola pathways to include broader provider types.

Catalonia (Spain)

Representatives Agnès Wasserman Olivé and Felip Vidal Auladell (from the Llotja School of Art and Design (Barcelona) presented Aliages, an interdisciplinary project combining jewellery creation with photography and graphic design, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation and collaborative learning. They also discussed Spain’s participation in learner mobility and Erasmus+ cooperation, strengthening European-level craft networks.

Participants engaged in discussions around:

  • Regional and European cooperation through Erasmus+ and strategic partnerships to support mobility, knowledge exchange, and policy alignment.
  • Attracting younger generations to craftsmanship through modern communication and digital storytelling.
  • The need for sustainability-focused skills development, including environmentally conscious production techniques.

Craftsmanship across Europe continues to play a vital role in both cultural heritage and local economies; yet, the sector faces significant challenges, including skills shortages and generational renewal. Initiatives highlighted by EARLALL demonstrate that integrating modern skills—such as digital tools, sustainability practices, and effective communication—alongside traditional techniques is crucial for keeping crafts relevant in the 21st century. Collaboration between regional authorities, vocational training providers, and industry not only fosters innovation but also strengthens pathways from education to employment. By promoting creative, interdisciplinary learning and showcasing the real opportunities in craft professions, European regions are finding ways to engage young people and ensure the continuity and vitality of their artistic and traditional crafts.

In 2026, EARLALL will continue with its sectoral skills webinars, focusing on the battery industry, energy, and construction sectors.

Resources

On 12 December, EARLALL took part in the online stakeholders’ consultation on the future of the Erasmus+ programme for the 2028–2034 period, organised by the SEDEC Secretariat of the Committee of the Regions. The consultation was held in the context of the preparation of the Committee’s opinion, led by Rapporteur Roberto Pella (IT/EPP).

The discussion brought together representatives of European institutions, civil society organisations, education and training networks, youth organisations and social partners to exchange views on the priorities, structure and funding of the future Erasmus+ programme within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

During the consultation, EARLALL joined other stakeholders in highlighting the importance of strong territorial involvement, inclusive access to mobility, and adequate, predictable funding for lifelong learning, vocational education and training, and skills development across Europe.

EARLALL submitted its formal contribution to the Rapporteur, entitled “EARLALL Position Paper on the MFF 2028–2034 Erasmus+ Proposal”. The paper outlines EARLALL’s recommendations for a reinforced Erasmus+ programme that better supports regional and local authorities, strengthens cross-sectoral cooperation, and ensures sustainable investment in skills, inclusion and competitiveness.

EARLALL remains committed to engaging in European policy discussions and contributing to the shaping of EU programmes that support lifelong learning, regional development and social cohesion.

More than 4,600 young people are participating in the 3rd National Mobility Week in Switzerland, taking place from 24 to 28 November. Organised by Movetia, a member of the EARLALL network, in close cooperation with the Swiss cantons, the initiative promotes language learning, intercultural understanding, and mobility among young learners.

This year’s edition marks a new record, with participation increasing by one third compared to 2024. Students from across the country are temporarily leaving their classrooms to meet peers in another linguistic region, gaining first-hand experience of Switzerland’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

The official opening event in Bern brings together high-level political representatives, including Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Christophe Darbellay, President of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK), underlining strong political support for exchange and mobility initiatives.

A Growing Initiative with Strong Institutional Support

Initiated by Movetia and supported by the Federal Office of Culture, the National Exchange Week takes place in a context where mobility and exchange are increasingly recognised as powerful tools to strengthen language competences. This approach was recently reaffirmed by the Swiss cantons in a joint declaration on the coordination of language teaching.

The initiative showcases how cooperation between national agencies, regional authorities, and education providers can successfully scale up mobility opportunities.

First-Time Inclusion of VET Learners

A key innovation of this third edition is the inclusion of vocational education and training (VET) learners. For the first time, more than 30 apprentices are taking part in short-term mobility experiences in another language region, supported by a wide range of host companies.

Examples include:

  • A trainee restaurant specialist from Lucerne completing a placement in Ticino
  • A future automation technician from Zurich undertaking an internship in Lausanne

These exchanges offer young VET learners an initial experience of language immersion and different working cultures, reinforcing the value of mobility in vocational pathways.

Celebrating Learner Mobility in Bern

On 25 November, a dedicated event on VET mobility will take place in Bern, bringing together policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field. On this occasion, the Oertli Foundation’s National Exchange Prize will also be awarded to three outstanding projects promoting learner mobility.

Source: Movetia

On 12 December 2025, EARLALL convened its Working Group on Skills and Labour Market, led by the Regional Ministry of Education of Catalonia. The meeting was chaired by Teresa Escriche and focused on current working group priorities, sectoral skills intelligence, and emerging EU funding opportunities relevant to regional skills ecosystems.

A key focus of the meeting was EARLALL’s ongoing capacity-building work through sector skills webinars, aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking across regions. Participants discussed skills analysis in sectors of strategic importance for EARLALL members, including:

  • Applied Arts and Craftsmanship – 16 December 2025
  • Battery industries – Winter 2025/26
  • Energy – Spring 2026
  • Construction – Autumn 2026

The webinar on Applied Arts and Craftsmanship explored skills challenges and opportunities in the sector, highlighted regional and European initiatives, and examined how VET, lifelong learning and cultural policies can safeguard Europe’s artisanal heritage. Contributions came from OECD and regions including Tuscany, Centre-Val de Loire and Catalonia, with speakers from regional authorities, VET centres and art and design schools. The materials are already available here.

The working group also exchanged on Erasmus+ funding opportunities, underlining the importance of early preparation given the programme’s competitiveness.

The meeting closed with a forward-looking exchange on the new EU Skills Guarantee, a flagship initiative under the Union of Skills. The discussion also fed into reflections on EARLALL’s upcoming 25th anniversary, highlighting the network’s role in facilitating cooperation, sharing regional expertise and shaping future-oriented skills and labour market policies across Europe.

On 12 December 2025, EARLALL hosted the Working Group on Mobility, co-led by Borås Stad (Nicholas Waller) and Movetia  (Julia Burkhard). The meeting brought together partners to discuss inclusive mobility initiatives, Erasmus+ opportunities, and inclusive opportunities that strengthen lifelong learning and skills development.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Ellen Pauwels from GO!4Tech & GO! Technisch Atheneum Zavelenberg Flanders on thethe Prep4Pro KA2 project, an Erasmus+ KA2 initiative designed to support long-term VET mobility, particularly ErasmusPro, for learners with fewer opportunities.

The project brought together VET providers and umbrella organisations from Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, Finland, and France, with the objective of building shared quality standards and sustainable mobility structures.

Key outcomes include

  • The creation of a European VET mobility network Prep4Pro Roadmap, offering practical tools such as checklists, templates, communication strategies, and tested solutions for inclusive mobility
  • Tailored communication materials addressing students, staff, parents, and host companies, ensuring equal access and appropriate support throughout the mobility process

Discussions highlighted the transformative role of ErasmusPro mobility in supporting not only professional skills but also personal development. Targeting learners aged 17–20, ErasmusPro contributes to:

  • Increased independence and self-confidence
  • Stronger social and intercultural skills
  • Greater autonomy, with learners often travelling and living independently during placements

Participants underlined that these outcomes are particularly valuable for young people with fewer opportunities, as mobility experiences can significantly enhance their adaptability and long-term employability.

The Working Group reviewed EARLALL’s draft factsheet on mobility for people with fewer opportunities, showcasing successful initiatives across member regions, highlighting curriculum integration, funding for accommodations, and strategies to make mobility programmes accessible without stigmatising participants.

Julia Burkhard (Movetia) presented highlights from the Switzerland National Mobility Week 2025 which recorded a new participation record with over 4,600 young participants, a 30% increase from the previous year. Activities spanned all major language regions, including VET trainees, with strong public visibility. Bern hosted key events featuring high-level speakers, including Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, and the first National Exchange Prize for outstanding VET projects.
Participants also reflected on regional mobility exchanges, including a Mobility Matchmaking Exchange between Västra Götaland (Sweden) and the Basque Country in November 2025. The visit explored cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, skills development, prison education, health, and digital services for seniors.

Through this working group, EARLALL continues to champion inclusive mobility, ensuring that all learners and VET professionals can access transformative opportunities while strengthening regional skills ecosystems across Europe.

Lifelong Learning Week (LLLWeek) 2025 took place on 8–12 December in Brussels, marking both the 15th edition of the initiative and the 20th anniversary of the Lifelong Learning Platform. Guided by its renewed priorities—Investment, Inclusion, Innovation, Internationalisation and Intermediaries—the week brought together policymakers, providers, civil society and regional representatives to discuss the future of education and skills in Europe. EARLALL actively contributed across the programme, ensuring that regional needs and territorial realities remained central to the conversation.

EU Lifelong Learning Stakeholders’ Forum: Regions in the Future EU Budget

On 8 December, EARLALL participated in the EU Lifelong Learning Stakeholders’ Forum, dedicated to the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The event convened regional authorities, civil society organisations and EU stakeholders to explore how future EU investments can better support skills development and territorial cohesion.

During the opening exchanges, Raffaela Kihrer (LLLP) emphasised the need to nurture learning “from cradle to grave”, while Michael Teutsch (DG EAC) shared updates on the next Erasmus+ programme and encouraged close engagement with the European Parliament.

EARLALL’s Olga Chizhevskaya contributed to the fishbowl discussion moderated by Andrei Frank (LLLP), underlining the crucial role of regions in EU education and skills policies. She called for stronger multi-level governance, predictable funding and programmes that are accessible, inclusive and firmly rooted in regional ecosystems.

Equity and Inclusion in Education

On 9 December, EARLALL attended the LLLP Week session “Equity and Inclusion in Education and Training Policies: Insights from 25 Years of Reforms in Europe”, which brought together researchers, EU institutions, and civil society to reflect on progress and remaining gaps in equity across education systems. The session invited the European Commission to engage with European associations and project coordinators.

The event highlighted preliminary findings from the STRIDE project, showcased perspectives from youth, and offered a dedicated focus on early childhood education as a critical lever for reducing inequalities among children facing multiple disadvantages.

Micro-credentials for Inclusion and Skills

Micro-credentials were a strong focus throughout the week. On 9 December, the SALAM Interreg Europe projectcontributed to an EAEA workshop examining how micro-credentials can strengthen transversal competences and basic skills for adult learners, especially those in vulnerable situations. Professor Francesca Torlone, SALAM coordinator, brought forward evidence from partner regions, ensuring that practical territorial insights shaped the debate.

On 10 December, EARLALL joined the hands-on session “From Innovation to Recognition: Micro-credentials in Action”, which offered an overview of EU policy developments and showcased international experiences—from Europe to Africa and the Middle East. The European Commission highlighted Tknika (Basque Country) as a key contributor to peer-learning activities on micro-credentials for the labour market. Discussions stressed the need for quality assurance, robust recognition practices and stronger alignment with labour market needs.

Shaping the New EU VET Strategy

On 11 December, EARLALL attended the session “Building Future-Proof VET Ecosystems” at the European Economic and Social Committee. The debate focused on priorities for the upcoming EU VET Strategy, addressing inclusion, innovation, competitiveness and the challenges of the digital and green transitions. Speakers called for more flexible learning pathways, agile VET systems, stronger guidance services, enhanced work-based learning and improved support for learners and teachers. The European Commission and LLLP also presented the participatory process for shaping the new strategy, with a call for evidence expected in early 2026.

Celebrating 30 Years of EU Adult Learning

EARLALL was also present at the high-level event “EU and Adult Learning – 30 Years of Partnership”, organised by EAEA and GO! (EARLALL member). The celebration reflected on three decades of EU engagement in adult learning—from the Grundtvig programme to today’s Erasmus+ framework—and looked ahead to future priorities for inclusive and resilient adult learning systems. EARLALL ensured that the regional perspective remained visible in this milestone reflection.

Throughout LLLWeek 2025, EARLALL strengthened its commitment to promoting the regional voice in European education and skills policy. By sharing expertise, contributing territorial perspectives and engaging with key partners, the network continues to champion lifelong learning systems that are responsive, inclusive and grounded in regional realities.

On 11 December 2025, EARLALL hosted the Working Group on Lifelong Guidance and Ageing Societies, co-led Ministry for Education, Youth and Sports Baden-Württemberg in cooperation with Camilla Winter AB. The session brought together project partners to exchange on ongoing initiatives, emerging trends in career counselling, and the role of digital and intergenerational approaches for older learners.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Markus Haas (Germany) on the “Gesund und Digital” project, funded by ESF+, which aims to improve digital health literacy among people aged 55+. Implemented through adult education centres in Baden-Württemberg, the project addresses key challenges related to digital health applications, data security, and accessibility.

Key elements of the initiative include

  • Using adult education centres as local hubs for outreach and training
  • Training educators and establishing digital ambassadors among seniors
  • Promoting peer-to-peer and intergenerational learning approaches

The discussion highlighted the importance of reaching hard-to-reach groups, such as older adults with low digital skills or limited access to technology, and the need for continuous upskilling in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Participants also stressed the value of combining a digital-first approach with non-digital alternatives to ensure accessibility for all learners.

Andrea Bernert-Büerkle (Baden-Württemberg) provided updates on the Lifelong Guidance 5.0 project, which focuses on modernising career guidance systems in response to digitalisation, green transitions, and labour market uncertainty.

Recent and upcoming activities include:

  • A webinar series addressing emerging trends in career counselling. The first webinar, “Two Megatrends in Career Counselling: Mediation and Green Guidance”, featured Prof. Dr Dennis Mocigemba from the University of Applied Labour Studies, HdBA. The webinar highlighted how mediation techniques and green guidance are reshaping career support. Participants were also informed of upcoming webinars featuring Sylvana Hiltrop, Senior EU Project Manager at Skillab.
  • An international conference in Vienna (23–24 March 2026) on transformations in lifelong guidance, with opportunities to participate via Erasmus+ KA1 funding
  • A modular training programme on digital and AI-based guidance tools, taking place in Vienna and Brussels
  • A final conference and training session in Brussels (June 2026) for lifelong guidance professionals

Camilla Winter concluded with an overview of Erasmus+ projects supporting skills for quality jobs, a green transition, and stronger European cohesion. With concluding ideas from member regions about EARLALL’s upcoming 25th Anniversary, EARLALL can continue to champion innovative, inclusive and digitally competent guidance systems, ensuring that older learners and career counsellors are fully supported in Europe’s evolving skills landscape.

On 9 December 2025, the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) hosted their annual meeting, gathering regional and city administrations from across Europe to discuss the EU’s policy priorities for 2026. EARLALL took part in the conference to discuss the future of funding and to ensure that the regional and multi-level governance perspective remains central in shaping the upcoming policy cycle.

Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking

The meeting opened with remarks from Annamaria Forgacs, Head of the Strategy, Coordination and Outreach Unit at EPRS. She underlined EPRS’ core mission: to provide expert, evidence-based support to policymakers through informed decision-making. Forgacs highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate AI into research processes and expand digital tools to deepen structural collaboration with academia — essential steps in strengthening analytical capacity and driving the digital transition.

The floor was then passed to Aidan Christie, Head of the Publications Management and Editorial Unit at EPRS. Christie presented upcoming priority publication projects, focused on anticipating policy debates before legislative proposals are finalised. He emphasised the need to reinforce Parliament’s pre-legislative capabilities, and efforts to modernise editorial and research processes.

Insights on Structural Policies and the Future MFF

Vasilis Margaras, Policy Analyst at EPRS, continued with an overview of current work on structural policies. He noted that “a lot of focus is on the future of the MFF”, reflecting growing concerns regarding budgetary priorities and cohesion. Margaras also referred to the new Culture Compass and stressed the importance of recognising the role of regions and cities in implementing EU priorities. He further addressed the need to include people with fewer opportunities, rural communities and people with disabilities. Concluding his intervention, he encouraged participants to share their own priority areas during the conference.

European Commission Work Programme 2026

Policy Analysts Irmgard Anglmayer and Isabelle Ioannides from the Directorate for Impact Assessment and Foresight at EPRS, jointly presented an overview of the programme, focusing on the European Commission’s Annual Work Programme for 2026 (CWP).

Ioannides outlined the Commission’s main areas of focus for 2026, including:

  • Competitiveness and economic resilience,
  • Environmental sustainability,
  • Security and defence,
  • Simplification, implementation and enforcement.

She highlighted that the 2026 agenda contains 70 new flagship policy initiatives, structured around the seven political priorities for 2024–2029, signaling an ambitious agenda for 2026.

Anglmayer built upon her colleague’s statement by emphasising the Commission’s renewed push for simplification of EU legislation. She described new tools such as stress testing of opportunities for simplification, improved implementation dialogues, and forthcoming Omnibus packages on energy productivity, taxation, citizens’ rights and more. She also noted the ongoing debate among stakeholders, some of whom fear that simplification may lead to deregulation in critical policy areas.

Regional Priorities: The Importance of Multi-Level Governance

The meeting concluded with an open exchange on regional and urban priorities for 2026. Participants stressed:

  • The need for stronger links between local, regional and national authorities,
  • The importance of territorial strategies aligned with the evolving MFF negotiations,
  • Clarity on the role of regions and cities in shaping and implementing future EU funding mechanisms.

Discussions also reflected broader concerns about ensuring that the upcoming MFF supports cohesion, long-term investment and the right to stay in regions facing demographic and economic challenges.

EARLALL will continue to follow the development of the 2026 Commission Work Programme and the MFF negotiations closely. By actively engaging in forums such as the EPRS annual meeting, EARLALL ensures that the voices of its member regions remain heard in EU policymaking, shaping policies that promote inclusion, skills development, innovation and the strengthening of multi-level governance across Europe.