The QUEEN-Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs (Interreg Europe project) is pleased to announce the official launch of its Interregional Capacity Building Programme, marking an important milestone in its work to strengthen quality apprenticeship systems across Europe. The first module has now been developed and published, laying the foundation for shared learning and cooperation among project partners and participating organisations.

A shared learning journey across regions

The interregional capacity-building activities are designed to foster a common understanding among all QUEEN partners, supporting knowledge exchange and policy learning throughout the project. The programme is structured into three modules delivered at key stages of the project, each addressing different dimensions of apprenticeship policy and practice.

The first module focuses on introducing the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) and presenting early insights from the QUEEN project. It brings together video materials, interviews, and curated documentation into a single, accessible master presentation to support interactive and self-paced learning.

Structure of the first module

The module is organised into five learning blocks, each serving a distinct purpose within the learning journey:

  • Learning Block 0 – Introduction to QUEEN: This block provides an overview of the project’s objectives, its policy improvement approach, and the key challenges it addresses in relation to quality apprenticeships. It ensures that all participants, regardless of prior familiarity, begin with a shared baseline understanding.
  • Learning Block 1 – Key concepts and stakeholders: This section clarifies essential terminology such as the distinction between apprenticeships and quality apprenticeships, supported by additional reference materials and external sources. It also introduces key organisations in the field, including the International Labour Organization, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, and Cedefop, while briefly outlining the EFQEA framework.
  • Learning Blocks 2 and 3 – EFQEA criteria in practice: These blocks explore the 14 criteria of the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships in greater depth. Each criterion is presented with explanations, alongside insights into interregional progress gathered through partner surveys. The content highlights good practices and provides a comparative overview of developments across participating regions.

To support reflection and dialogue, these blocks also include guiding questions and visual summaries of regional progress, encouraging participants to consider differences in implementation and identify shared challenges.

  • Learning Block 4 – QUEEN project activities and outputs: The final block presents key activities carried out within the QUEEN project to date, including apprenticeship models, high-level events in Brussels, and regional stakeholder meetings. It also provides links to interviews and the Interreg Europe platform, enabling participants to further explore project outputs and developments.

Encouraging reflection and dialogue

Throughout the module, emphasis is placed not only on knowledge transfer but also on reflection and peer learning. Participants are invited to engage with the material critically, particularly in relation to the implementation of the 14 EFQEA criteria and the varying levels of progress observed across regions. This reflective approach supports deeper understanding of why certain criteria are more challenging to achieve and how policy learning can contribute to improvement.

Looking ahead

The first module represents the starting point of a broader learning journey within the QUEEN project. The second module will focus on identifying and analysing good practices in quality apprenticeships across regions. The programme will be completed with a third module dedicated to designing, monitoring, and achieving policy change.

Through this structured capacity-building approach, QUEEN continues to support collaboration, mutual learning, and policy innovation aimed at strengthening quality apprenticeship systems across Europe.

From 24 to 26 June, partners of the WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio Economic Integration and Wellbeing) ESF+ project,  gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria, for a three-day exchange visit dedicated to strengthening the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model and sharing practices that support the social and economic inclusion of Ukrainian refugee women.

Hosted by Animus Association Foundation (Animus), the visit brought together project partners from Bulgaria and Italy to exchange experiences from the Holistic Support Centres operating in Sofia, Rome, Turin and Milan. Through peer learning, site visits and collaborative workshops, participants reviewed project achievements, discussed implementation challenges and refined the HSC Toolkit to support its future replication across Europe.

Learning from Practice

The programme opened with a presentation by Maria Tchomariova, mental health expert from Animus Association Foundation, who introduced the organisation’s history, organisational structure and multidisciplinary approach to supporting vulnerable individuals. She highlighted how Animus combines psychological support, social services, training and advocacy through a network of specialised centres and multidisciplinary teams.

The discussion focused on trauma-informed psychological support for Ukrainian refugee women and highlighted approaches such as art therapy, mindfulness activities and group psychosocial support. Partners also exchanged experiences on the role of cultural mediators in therapy and case management, emphasising the importance of clear cooperation frameworks between therapists and mediators to ensure effective communication and trust.

Participants further discussed practical barriers affecting refugee women’s integration, including difficulties in converting residence documents, opening bank accounts and accessing stable employment.

Visiting Good Practices in Sofia

A key highlight of the exchange visit was the opportunity to see first-hand how integrated support services are delivered in Sofia through two study visits.

The first visit took place at the Animus Association Foundation headquarters, where partners learned more about the organisation’s multidisciplinary approach and the range of services it provides. Participants visited the Child Advocacy Centre, which offers comprehensive psychological, legal and social support to children affected by violence and their families in a child-friendly environment. They also toured the counselling facilities used for individual consultations and group support activities for women, gaining a better understanding of how trauma-informed and holistic services are organised in practice.

The second visit was to the Sofia Municipality Complex of Social Services, comprising the Community Support Centre for Children and Families and the “Mother and Baby” Unit. Although funded by the Bulgarian state through Sofia Municipality, the services have been managed by Animus since 2011, illustrating a strong partnership between public authorities and civil society in delivering integrated support to vulnerable children and families. During the visit, WISE partners participated in group activities with Ukrainian refugee women, engaging directly with beneficiaries and observing how community-building and empowerment activities are delivered within the Holistic Support Centre model.

Evaluation Confirms the Value of Holistic Support

An important milestone of the exchange visit was the presentation of the project’s independent evaluation by external evaluator Adrienne Kiss and Monitoring Manager Mila Saskovic.

The evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the Holistic Support Centre model using the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and combined interviews, focus groups, surveys and the Most Significant Change methodology.

The findings confirmed that psychological support is the most valued component of the HSC model and has significantly contributed to participants’ self-confidence, independence and sense of community. While employment outcomes continue to be influenced by structural labour market barriers, stronger engagement with employers was identified as an opportunity for future improvement.

The evaluation also highlighted the importance of sustainable local partnerships and referral mechanisms, while recommending greater investment in language learning, childcare, practical integration skills and accessibility for women with disabilities.

Refining the Holistic Support Centre Toolkit

Building on the evaluation findings, partners worked together to revise the draft of the upcoming Holistic Support Centre Toolkit, ensuring it reflects both evidence from implementation and lessons learned across partner countries.

Discussions focused on identifying the core components that should remain central to every Holistic Support Centre while allowing sufficient flexibility for adaptation to different national and local contexts.

Partners agreed that the HSC model should continue to combine:

  • holistic case management;
  • mental health and psychosocial support;
  • employment and job-readiness services;
  • group activities and community building;
  • strong stakeholder engagement and referral networks;
  • dedicated physical spaces with childcare provision whenever possible.

The consortium also reinforced the importance of trauma-informed and gender-sensitive approaches, safeguarding, digital safety, inclusion and meaningful participation of beneficiaries.

As leader of the project’s communication and scale-up activities, EARLALL participated in the exchange visit, presenting preparations for the project’s Final Conference, which will take place in Brussels on 16 September 2026. The event will bring together policymakers, regional authorities, practitioners and project partners to showcase the project’s results, present the Holistic Support Centre model and discuss opportunities for scaling up integrated support services for refugee women across Europe.

Looking Ahead

The Sofia exchange visit highlighted the value of peer learning and international cooperation in strengthening integrated support for displaced women. As the project enters its final phase, the revised Holistic Support Centre Toolkit and the lessons learned will support the model’s sustainability and replication across Europe.

As the communication and scale-up partner, EARLALL is proud to promote the WISE approach and its results. By supporting the transfer of the Holistic Support Centre model, EARLALL contributes to the development of more inclusive regional policies and services that improve migrants’ skills, employment opportunities and psychosocial wellbeing.

As of 1 July 2026, Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, marking the start of a six-month programme built around three core priorities: competitiveness, values, and security.

In a context of rapid economic, technological and geopolitical change, the Irish Presidency places strong emphasis on strengthening the European Union’s capacity to respond to transformation while remaining anchored in its fundamental principles. From EARLALL’s perspective, these priorities are closely aligned with the role of education, training and lifelong learning in supporting inclusive and sustainable regional development.

Competitiveness: skills at the heart of Europe’s economic future

Competitiveness is the central pillar of the Irish Presidency programme. The focus is on strengthening Europe’s productivity, completing the Single Market, and supporting innovation, investment and sustainable growth.

A key dimension of this agenda is the emphasis on reducing administrative barriers, enabling business growth across borders, and advancing Europe’s digital and green transitions. The programme highlights the importance of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, clean energy systems, and strategic technologies as drivers of future competitiveness.

For EARLALL, this priority strongly reinforces the importance of regional skills ecosystems. Lifelong learning systems, vocational education and training (VET), and adult upskilling are essential to ensuring that individuals and regions can adapt to labour market transformation. The Presidency’s focus on mobility, innovation, and Erasmus+ further highlights the need to expand inclusive learning opportunities across Europe.

Values: inclusion, equality and democratic resilience

The Irish Presidency also places strong emphasis on the Union’s shared values, including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

These values underpin not only Europe’s identity, but also its social and economic model. The Presidency highlights the importance of strengthening equality policies, supporting youth engagement, and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

For EARLALL, this dimension is closely linked to the role of lifelong learning in promoting social cohesion and equal opportunities. Regional education and training systems play a key role in ensuring inclusive access to skills development, supporting second-chance learning pathways, and fostering active citizenship.

Security: resilience through skills and cooperation

The security priority reflects the broader geopolitical context facing the European Union, including ongoing conflicts and emerging threats. The Irish Presidency underlines the need to strengthen European resilience in all its dimensions, including economic, social, digital and energy security.

While primarily focused on defence and external action, this pillar also has important implications for skills and education policy. Strengthening resilience requires a workforce equipped to respond to technological change, cybersecurity challenges, and structural economic shifts.

For EARLALL, this reinforces the importance of lifelong learning systems that support adaptability, integration and inclusion, particularly in regions facing demographic change, skills shortages or migration-related challenges.

Erasmus+, mobility and European cooperation

Across all three pillars, the Irish Presidency highlights the importance of European cooperation instruments, including Erasmus+ and policies supporting educational mobility.

Ensuring that mobility opportunities are inclusive and accessible remains a key priority for strengthening European cohesion and enabling equal opportunities for learners, trainees and workers across all regions.

We invite you to explore the full programme for further details.

The emphasis on democratic resilience and social inclusion further reinforces the need for education systems that support critical thinking, participation, and equal access to opportunity across all regions.

EARLALL is pleased to welcome two new Associate Members from Norway: the Trøndelag European Office (TEO) and the Hamar Region. Their membership further strengthens EARLALL’s network of regions committed to advancing lifelong learning, skills development, and regional cooperation across Europe.

Trøndelag European Office: Strengthening European Cooperation on Skills and Lifelong Learning

The Trøndelag European Office (TEO) represents the Trøndelag region in Brussels, supporting regional stakeholders in engaging with European policies, programmes, and partnerships. Through its work, TEO contributes to strengthening regional development by connecting its members with European knowledge, funding opportunities, and collaborative networks.

Trøndelag is recognised as one of Norway’s leading knowledge regions, characterised by strong cooperation between public authorities, education providers, research institutions, and industry. Competence development and lifelong learning are firmly embedded in the region’s strategies for sustainable growth, innovation, and social inclusion.

The region works systematically to align education and training with labour market needs, with a particular focus on vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and continuous upskilling and reskilling. International cooperation is also a central priority, with extensive participation in European programmes such as Erasmus+.

At the same time, Trøndelag is addressing important challenges linked to skills shortages and mismatches resulting from technological developments and the green transition. Ensuring equal access to education and lifelong learning opportunities across a geographically dispersed region remains a key priority, particularly for adults, SMEs, and rural communities.

Through TEO, several key regional actors engaged in competence development and lifelong learning are represented within EARLALL, including:

  • Trøndelag County Authority, responsible for upper secondary education, vocational training, and regional skills strategies;
  • Trondheim Municipality, working actively on skills development and innovation in public services;
  • The County Governor of Trøndelag, contributing to coordination, governance, and implementation of national policies related to education, inclusion, and regional development;
  • Nord University, providing higher education and flexible learning pathways;
  • Namdal Regional Council, supporting regional competence needs, particularly in rural areas.

By joining EARLALL, Trøndelag aims to strengthen its engagement in European cooperation on lifelong learning and skills development, collaborating with regions facing similar challenges related to skills mismatches, inclusion, and the green and digital transitions.

“Lifelong learning and competence development are key priorities for our region. Similar to other European regions, Trøndelag is facing challenges related to skills shortages and mismatches driven by the green and digital transition. A membership in EARLALL is one of the tools we believe can help meet these challenges, as the network provides a platform for collaboration with other regions facing similar challenges.”

Håvard Tangvik
Director, Trøndelag European Office

Hamar Region: Advancing Regional Development Through Cooperation and Lifelong Learning

EARLALL is equally pleased to welcome the Hamar Region as a new Associate Member. The Hamar Region considers European interregional cooperation a strategic priority and sees participation in EARLALL as an important opportunity to engage in fruitful co-creation with other European regions sharing similar challenges and ambitions.

The Hamar Region is an established inter-municipal cooperation comprising the municipalities of Hamar, Løten, Ringsaker, and Stange in Innlandet County. Working closely with Innlandet County Municipality through a partnership agreement, the Hamar Region focuses on promoting regional societal development and strengthening local capacities.

Its regional strategy prioritises four key areas where cooperation offers significant potential for progress:

  • Education;
  • Competence development;
  • Business development;
  • Population and employment growth.

By joining EARLALL, the Hamar Region seeks to benefit from the network’s extensive experience in lifelong learning and regional development. Membership will provide valuable opportunities for exchanging expertise, experiences, and knowledge, directly supporting the region’s development goals.

As highlighted by the Hamar Region:

“European interregional cooperation is important to the Hamar Region, in line with our priority areas. By being associate partners in EARLALL, we are well-positioned to be part of a fruitful co-creation with other European regions facing the same challenges and goals. EARLALL’s many years of experience within lifelong learning, and their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regions, provides our region with an arena rich in valuable exchange of expertise, experience and knowledge that directly and positively impacts our regional development goals.”

Strengthening the EARLALL Community

The arrival of the Trøndelag European Office and the Hamar Region further reinforces EARLALL’s mission of supporting regions in addressing shared challenges related to lifelong learning, skills development, inclusion, and the green and digital transitions. We look forward to collaborating closely with both new Associate Members and to benefiting from their valuable expertise and perspectives.

Around 30 participants from across Europe joined an online event on 25 June 2026 to discover the new Shift Skills competence programme and discuss how regions can better bridge the gap between labour supply and demand.

The event was organised within the Shift Skills – Together for Greener Futures project and featured contributions from project partners, including EARLALL member Vestland County Council, as well as representatives from municipalities, education, research and European networks.

The event also marked the appointment of Mr Audun Lysbakken as the new Director of the West Norway House in Brussels, where he officially took over as Director of the West Norway Office, providing an opportunity to reflect on shared European challenges and how regional cooperation can contribute to solving them.

Addressing Europe’s future competence challenges

Opening the event, Tove Hagenes from Alver Municipality, Project Coordinator of Shift Skills, presented the common challenges facing regions across Europe.

The green and digital transitions are creating an urgent need for new skills in areas such as green competencies, digital expertise, technical vocational skills, health and care, and teaching professions. At the same time, demographic change, fewer labour immigrants and changing labour markets are putting additional pressure on regions.

As many current professions continue to transform, while many future professions have not yet been created, education and training systems must become more adaptable. The challenge is not only to educate young people for future jobs but also to support adults and workers in continuously renewing their skills.

The project focuses especially on creating opportunities for young people to access relevant education and employment in their own regions while ensuring that businesses can find the expertise they need.

A practical toolkit for skills development

The central outcome of the Shift Skills project is the Competence Programme, a free online resource designed to support cooperation between businesses, education providers, local governments and students.

The programme provides:

  • Free access to digital learning resources
  • Practical, ready-to-use tools
  • Real-world learning experiences
  • Opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking

Presented by Dr Arne Ortland from Trendi Entrepreneurship Service and the University of Vechta, the competence programme includes 24 learning modules and tools developed for different target groups.

The resources are tailored to:

  • Industry, supporting businesses in attracting and developing employees with the skills needed for future challenges.
  • Education, helping schools and educators prepare learners for changing competence demands.
  • Local governments, providing approaches for facilitating cooperation and regional transformation.

The programme combines learning materials with practical transition tools, encouraging users to move from knowledge to action. It supports cross-sector collaboration and helps stakeholders co-create solutions for future skills needs.

Around 750 learners have already engaged with the programme, and the resources will remain available beyond the project period.

The changing role of local governments

During the event, Dick Oudman from Westerkwartier Municipality shared a perspective from the Netherlands on how local authorities can contribute to green transition.

Using housing renovation as an example, he highlighted how ambitious climate objectives depend on having enough skilled workers. Challenges such as limited workforce availability, insufficient training opportunities and the need for new business models demonstrate that the green transition is also a skills transition.

Local governments therefore have an increasingly important role. Rather than only facilitating change, they can act as active drivers of transformation by bringing together businesses, education providers and communities.

From programme to practice: lessons from regions

A panel discussion, moderated by Audun Lysbakken, Director of the West Norway Brussels Office, explored how the competence programme can support real-life transition processes.

The panel included Katrin Jakobsen from Vestland County Council, Tove Hagenes (Alver Municipality) and Iris Rickoff-Fisched (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation).

The discussion focused on the barriers that regions face when developing transition skills.

Tove Hagenes highlighted the need for a stronger sense of urgency. Many organisations continue to work within separate sectors, while today’s challenges require faster action, more cooperation and fewer silos. She emphasised that regions must rethink their role, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, security and green transition.

Iris Rickoff-Fisched pointed to the lack of time and space for dialogue between stakeholders. Building mutual understanding and adapting leadership approaches are essential for organisations navigating rapid change.

For Katrin Jakobsen, one of the main challenges is the lack of shared knowledge about future skills needs. Skills development cannot be addressed separately from broader economic and societal changes. Instead, stakeholders must combine their knowledge and work together to create effective solutions.

Making regions attractive for young people

The discussion also highlighted the importance of territorial attractiveness in retaining young people and strengthening regional development.

Tove Hagenes explained that regions need to offer more than education opportunities. Young people also need access to quality jobs, housing, communities and opportunities to build a future locally.

EARLALL highlighted that creating attractive regions also requires close engagement with businesses. Sustainable employment opportunities and good working conditions are essential parts of ensuring that young people choose to stay and contribute to their regions.

A resource for European cooperation

The “Shift Skills competence programme” demonstrates how cooperation between public authorities, education providers and industry can help regions respond to future challenges.

By providing practical tools and supporting structured collaboration, the programme offers municipalities, regions and organisations across Europe a way to strengthen their skills ecosystems and prepare for the green and digital transitions.

The experience of partners such as Vestland County Council shows that successful transition requires shared responsibility, long-term thinking and cooperation across sectors.

On 23 June 2026, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy convened the S3 Community of Practice Annual Conference, “Regions Driving European Innovation and Competitiveness,” bringing together regional authorities, national ministries, and EU institutions to discuss the future of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3). EARLALL’s Director, Noelia Cantero, attended on behalf of the Association.

The day opened with remarks from Nicola de Michelis (DG REGIO) and a keynote video message from Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, who framed Smart Specialisation as a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness, sovereignty, and cohesion agenda. A keynote from Verkor’s Donia Marzougui illustrated this in practice, tracing how Hauts-de-France became a European battery manufacturing hub through targeted industrial transition strategies.

Two morning panels reinforced the conference’s central message: S3 are indispensable tools for regions navigating an increasingly complex policy landscape. The first panel, featuring voices from the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, and regional development agencies, examined how Smart Specialisation supports strategic sovereignty alongside competitiveness. The second turned to delivery, exploring how regions operationalise S3 across governance structures, policy mixes, and interregional cooperation, with contributions from Galicia, Sweden’s Jönköping County, and Poland’s Małopolska Region.

The afternoon’s regional pitches showcased Smart Specialisation in action across diverse territories, from La Réunion to North Denmark and the Northern Netherlands, before participants split into breakout sessions covering multi-level governance, performance-based delivery, and interregional value chains. Notably, Amaia Esquisabel of the Basque Government’s Ministry of Science, Universities and Innovation contributed to the breakout session on delivery and performance – a useful touchpoint given EARLALL’s own ties to the Basque Country.

Throughout the day, speakers repeatedly highlighted a shared message: as the EU prepares for the 2028–34 programming period, Smart Specialisation Strategies remain a key instrument for aligning regional innovation priorities with Europe’s wider goals on cohesion, competitiveness, and sovereignty. While S3 is not part of EARLALL’s core mandate, it continues to offer useful inspiration for how regions identify and organise their skills and training needs. EARLALL was therefore pleased to see Smart Specialisation strongly reaffirmed by EU institutions at this conference, especially following its limited visibility in the European Commission’s initial Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal. In this context, EARLALL also participates in the SKYLA project (Smart Specialisation Skills Ecosystems for the Twin Transition), which brings together eight regions—Tuscany, Podlaskie, Skåne, Sofia, Fingal, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Lithuania—to help address skills gaps linked to the green and digital transitions by strengthening the role of vocational education and training in regional innovation ecosystems, improving links between SMEs and VET providers, and enhancing regional capacity to anticipate and respond to evolving skills needs.

EARLALL will continue to follow these developments closely in the months ahead.

For twenty-five years, EARLALL has grown from a small group of pioneering regional governments into one of Europe’s most established transnational networks in the field of lifelong learning, skills, and education policy. What started in 2001 as an initiative of nine regions quickly became something more ambitious: a long-term space where regions could work together across borders to shape how Europe learns, trains, and prepares for the future of work.

The founding moment was closely linked to the broader ambitions of the Lisbon Strategy, which set out to make Europe the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world. From the very beginning, EARLALL’s members shared a simple but powerful conviction: these European ambitions could only succeed if they were grounded in the reality of territories — where education systems, labour markets, and social needs actually come together. Regions were not peripheral actors in this process; they were central to it.

Yet in the early 2000s, regional authorities often lacked a direct channel into European policy design. EARLALL was created to address exactly that gap, giving regions a collective voice and a structured way to engage with EU institutions on lifelong learning policies. This early work quickly evolved into a consistent practice of policy contribution, beginning with structured input into EU programming cycles and culminating in early milestone documents such as the 2003 Cardiff Declaration. This document already contained ideas that would later become mainstream in EU cohesion policy: the need for regionalised implementation, stronger links between education and employment policies, and more integrated use of European funding instruments.

As the network developed between 2004 and 2013, it increasingly focused on making cooperation tangible. Member regions began establishing bilateral agreements that supported real mobility of learners, apprentices, researchers, and workers across borders. At the same time, EARLALL promoted voluntary coordination mechanisms inspired by the Open Method of Coordination, encouraging regions to learn from one another and adapt policy models to their own contexts. This period coincided with the introduction of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme, which brought greater coherence to European education initiatives and reinforced the importance of transnational cooperation. EARLALL’s earlier advocacy for programme simplification, regional involvement, and stronger dissemination of results found a natural echo in this new framework.

Over time, the network also helped shape thinking around cohesion policy instruments such as the European Social Fundand later the European Regional Development Fund, consistently arguing that effective skills and employment policies require a territorial approach. Rather than treating regions as administrative implementers, EARLALL promoted the idea of regions as policy co-designers, capable of linking labour market needs, education systems, and innovation strategies in a coherent way.

The years following 2014 brought new challenges and new areas of focus. As Europe recovered from the sovereign debt crisis and faced rising youth unemployment, attention turned to the integration of policies supporting young people. EARLALL actively contributed to discussions around the EU Youth Guarantee, advocating for a broader understanding of youth transitions that went beyond employment alone. Projects such as “One Step Ahead” reflected this holistic approach, combining education completion, skills development, social inclusion, housing independence, and income support. The underlying idea was clear: transitions into adulthood are complex, and policy responses must reflect that complexity.

A major turning point came in 2015, when the Basque Country assumed the EARLALL presidency. Over the following decade, the network experienced a period of institutional consolidation and increased European visibility. Its Secretariat was strengthened, its governance structures were modernised, and its policy engagement expanded significantly. EARLALL became an active contributor to major EU initiatives such as the Skills Agenda and the Erasmus+ framework, while also participating in platforms including the Pact for Skills and other European skills alliances. This period also marked a deeper engagement with institutions such as the Committee of the Regions, reinforcing EARLALL’s role as a bridge between regional realities and European policymaking.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tested the resilience of the entire education and training ecosystem. For EARLALL, it became a moment of rapid adaptation. The network shifted entirely to digital formats, maintaining its activities without interruption and reinforcing its focus on digital skills, online learning, and system resilience. Rather than slowing down cooperation, the crisis accelerated it, demonstrating the importance of strong transnational networks when systems are under pressure.

In 2023, during the European Year of Skills, EARLALL further strengthened its role as a convener of regional expertise. High-level events brought together policymakers and practitioners to discuss vocational excellence, green and digital transitions, inclusion, and mobility. At the same time, partnerships with organisations such as OECD and UNESCOexpanded the network’s international reach, reinforcing its position in global discussions on skills and lifelong learning.

More recently, the emergence of the Union of Skills has opened a new strategic phase for EARLALL. The initiative places skills at the centre of Europe’s competitiveness agenda, and EARLALL has actively contributed to shaping its direction through consultations, policy dialogue, and direct engagement with European institutions. A consistent message runs through this work: regions are not simply implementers of skills policies — they are co-creators of them, because they are closest to learners, employers, and local ecosystems.

At the same time, discussions around the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) have highlighted the importance of protecting the territorial dimension of EU funding. EARLALL has advocated strongly for maintaining decentralised implementation structures within programmes such as Erasmus+, warning that excessive centralisation would weaken the capacity of policies to respond to diverse regional needs. Early signs from the legislative process already show increasing recognition of the regional role in shaping future programme design.

Alongside its policy work, EARLALL remains a highly active cooperation platform. Through initiatives such as the EARLALL Academy, mobility matchmaking tools, and sectoral skills exchanges, the network continues to connect practitioners across Europe. Its members are currently involved in multiple projects funded under programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg Europe, and ESF+, ensuring that policy ideas are constantly tested and refined through practice.

Looking ahead, EARLALL enters its next phase with both continuity and urgency. Continuity, because its founding belief — that education and skills policy must be rooted in territories — remains unchanged. Urgency, because Europe is currently redefining its skills architecture for the coming decade, and the balance between centralisation and regional ownership is once again under discussion.

After twenty-five years, EARLALL’s trajectory is not just a story of institutional growth. It is a story of sustained cooperation across borders, of policy ideas developed through practice, and of regions steadily asserting their role in shaping Europe’s future. As the next chapter begins, the question is not whether regions matter in lifelong learning — but how Europe chooses to embed that reality in its policies going forward.

To explore the full historical narrative, milestones, and policy developments in detail, you can consult the complete publication below:

📄 Download the full report (PDF) “A History of Transnational Cooperation in Lifelong Learning (2001–2024)”

With the contributions from Paolo Federighi, Hon. prof at the University of Florence

On 22 of June, EARLALL hosted the final webinar of the WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio Economic Integration and Wellbeing) ESF+ project, bringing together practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to explore how gender-sensitive and holistic support models can be replicated and adapted across different local and regional contexts.

The webinar focused on the WISE Holistic Support Centre model and featured contributions from project partners, as well as representatives from the Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment of the Centre-Val de Loire Region, a member of the EARLALL network, and the Centre d’Information sur les Droits des Femmes et des Familles (CIDFF). Their collaboration, supporting migrant women facing barriers to labour market integration, has been recognised as a good practice under the SALAM Interreg Europe project.

A Holistic Approach to Integration

The WISE project was developed in response to the arrival of refugee women displaced by the war in Ukraine. Implemented in Bulgaria and Italy, the project aims to support refugee women through a comprehensive approach that combines employment support, psychosocial assistance and mental health services.

During the webinar, Elisabetta Bianchin, Project Coordinator from International Rescue Committee (IRC) presented the Holistic Support Centre model, an adaptation of the organisation’s Women and Girls Safe Spaces. The model provides a dedicated and safe environment where women can access integrated support tailored to their individual needs while strengthening their social connections and confidence.

The approach is based on three interconnected pillars:

  • Mental health support;
  • Psychosocial support and service navigation;
  • Employment support and career development

A key innovation of the model is the integration of employment services into a traditionally protection-oriented framework, helping women identify their skills, access training opportunities and progress towards economic independence.

Key Conditions for Replication

Elena Lanteri, Integration Counsellor from Milan, IRC highlighted that while the model should be adapted to local realities, several core elements are essential for successful replication.

These include cultural and linguistic mediation in multiple languages, trained staff working with trauma-informed and person-centred methodologies, effective safeguarding mechanisms and strong interdisciplinary cooperation between different professionals.

The discussion also underlined the importance of having a dedicated physical space for women and children. Childcare arrangements were identified as a crucial enabler allowing women to participate fully in support activities and training opportunities.

Another key lesson concerned the need to embed support centres within local ecosystems by establishing referral pathways and cooperation with organisations providing housing, legal assistance, healthcare and other services.

Learning from the Centre-Val de Loire and CIDFF Experience

Representatives from the Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment, Centre-Val de Loire Region (EARLALL member) and CIDFF (Center for information of women’s and families’ rights)  presented their experience supporting newly arrived migrant women through the Contrat Territorial d’Accueil et d’Intégration (CTAI).

The initiative combines professional integration measures, access to rights and specialised support for women facing social and gender-based vulnerabilities. Through training and professionalisation activities, the programme brings together local stakeholders from different sectors to strengthen cooperation and improve services for migrant women. The initiative has been recognised as a good practice within the SALAM Interreg Europe project.

CIDFF also presented the PAC (Primo Arrivante et Citoyenne) project, which combines information on rights and citizenship with participatory workshops focused on identity, empowerment and integration. The initiative was developed together with migrant women, illustrating the value of a bottom-up approach to service design.

Common Success Factors

During the interactive discussion, participants identified several common elements shared by both the WISE and CIDFF approaches.

Among the most important were the use of gender-sensitive and trauma-informed methodologies, the creation of safe spaces where women can speak openly about their experiences, and the active involvement of beneficiaries in programme design and implementation.

Group activities were highlighted as particularly effective in building trust, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. Speakers stressed that successful integration requires recognising migrant women not only as beneficiaries of support but also as active contributors to their communities.

The Importance of Strong Stakeholder Ecosystems

A recurring theme throughout the webinar was the importance of collaboration between stakeholders. Participants emphasised that no single organisation can address the complex needs of refugee and migrant women alone.

Building effective networks across employment, housing, healthcare, education and social services remains a challenge in many contexts. However, examples presented during the webinar demonstrated that long-term cooperation and structured coordination mechanisms can significantly improve outcomes for beneficiaries.

Regional and local authorities were identified as key actors in supporting such ecosystems through policy frameworks, funding instruments and stakeholder coordination. As the communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the WISE project, EARLALL is proud to connect regional lifelong learning and employment ecosystems with innovative social models such as the Holistic Support Centre, supporting their transfer, replication and integration into regions across Europe.

4th Webinar: recording and presentation

On 11 June 2026, the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL) celebrated its 25th anniversary in Brussels, bringing together more than 100 representatives from European regions, institutions, education and training providers, practitioners and partner organisations. The event provided a platform to reflect on the future of lifelong learning in Europe and to exchange innovative practices addressing key societal challenges.

As part of the Learning Regions Forum, the WISE project was presented to regional and local authorities working in the fields of education, skills development, employment and social inclusion. Through the exhibition stand, participants had the opportunity to learn about the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model, developed within the WISE project to support migrant and refugee women through integrated and personalised services.

The project’s approach attracted interest from policymakers, researchers and regional stakeholders seeking effective ways to strengthen inclusion, employability and access to services for vulnerable groups. Visitors explored how the HSC model combines guidance, employment support, skills development and social services to address the multiple barriers faced by migrant and refugee women.

The event also served as an opportunity to promote the final WISE webinar, “Replicability of a Gender-Sensitive and Holistic Approach for Refugee Women Integration”, which will take place online on 22 June 2026. The webinar will focus on how gender-sensitive and holistic approaches can be adapted and transferred to different regional and local contexts, drawing on experiences from implementation sites and a good practice from the Centre-Val de Loire Region (France).

By showcasing WISE at EARLALL’s anniversary celebrations, the project reached a wide audience of regional and local authorities committed to lifelong learning, skills development and social inclusion. The event reinforced the relevance of integrated support models in addressing labour market challenges and promoting the successful integration of migrants and refugees across Europe.

On 16 June 2026, EARLALL participated in the second Community of Practice (CoP) organised within the framework of the ESF+-funded WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) project. The online session brought together practitioners, integration counsellors, psychologists, social workers, project managers and partners from Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium to exchange experiences and discuss effective approaches to supporting refugee women’s labour market integration.

To facilitate active participation, attendees were divided into English-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking discussion groups. The session provided a safe and informal space for peer learning, reflection and knowledge exchange among professionals working directly with Ukrainian refugee women.

Training and Preparation for Employment

Participants discussed various approaches to preparing refugee women for employment, including language learning, vocational guidance and confidence-building activities. Practical experiences highlighted the importance of providing clear information on certification pathways, flexible training opportunities and step-by-step learning approaches adapted to beneficiaries’ individual circumstances.

The discussion also addressed barriers to participation, particularly for women balancing employment, childcare responsibilities and family commitments. Participants exchanged ideas on how to increase accessibility and engagement through tailored training formats and specialised workshops.

Exploring the SkillLab AI Tool

A significant part of the discussion focused on the SkillLab AI-based tool, which supports skills identification, career guidance and CV development.

Participants shared their experiences of using the platform with beneficiaries, highlighting both its potential and the challenges encountered. Discussions covered issues related to digital access, motivation, language barriers and the relevance of the tool for women at different stages of their integration journey.

The exchange provided valuable insights into how AI-supported skills profiling can complement employment services and help refugee women identify transferable skills and new career opportunities.

Collaboration with Employers and Job Placement

Participants explored different models of cooperation with employers and employment services. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with local businesses, vocational training providers and career centres to improve access to job opportunities.

Several examples demonstrated how targeted training, employer engagement and sector-specific programmes can support refugee women in entering the labour market and developing sustainable career pathways.

Employment Challenges for Older Women

A key topic of the Community of Practice was the specific employment and integration challenges faced by older refugee women.

Participants reflected on issues such as social isolation, difficulties in adapting professional expectations to local labour market realities, language barriers and the emotional impact of displacement. Through case studies and practical examples, the discussion highlighted the importance of personalised support, psychosocial assistance and realistic career guidance in helping older women rebuild confidence and identify meaningful opportunities for participation and employment.

Learning Through Peer Exchange

The Community of Practice concluded with reflections on the importance of holistic and individualised support, combining employment guidance with psychosocial, legal and social assistance. Participants emphasised the value of continued collaboration between organisations and countries to share knowledge, improve practice and strengthen support services for refugee women.

The WISE Community of Practice serves as an important platform for practitioners to exchange experiences, identify common challenges and develop innovative solutions that contribute to the socio-economic integration and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugee women across Europe. EARLALL is proud to contribute to this collaborative learning process and to support the exchange of knowledge and good practices among organisations working towards more inclusive and effective integration pathways.

Brussels, 15 June 2026 – On 11 June 2026, more than 100 representatives from European regions, institutions, education providers, practitioners and partner organisations gathered in Brussels to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL). Hosted at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, the event honoured a quarter century of regional cooperation while opening a forward-looking dialogue on the future of lifelong learning in Europe.

EARLALL has brought together regional and local authorities committed to strengthening education and training policies, supporting skills development, and ensuring learning opportunities for people of all ages. The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity not only to reflect on shared achievements but also to reaffirm the role of regions in addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges.

Opening the celebration, Mr Bodo Lehmann, Head of the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Brussels, highlighted the growing importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world. “Investments in continuing education are investments in Europe’s future viability. Those who want to shape this change must create opportunities for people all across Europe to develop and acquire new skills continuously.” Lehmann also acknowledged EARLALL’s contribution over the past 25 years, emphasising how the network has influencedEuropean education policy, promoted successful initiatives across regions and demonstrated the essential role of regional authorities in building resilient learning ecosystems.

The afternoon’s “Lifelong Learning through the regions” exhibition showcased this diversity of regional action. The stands showcased innovative initiatives and European cooperation projects from across the network. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Education presented its work on lifelong guidance through initiatives such as the European project Lifelong Guidance 5.0 – Upscaling Guidance Services in Europe, alongside the Baden-Württemberg State Network for Continuing Education Counselling and the up PAMINA vhs. The Basque Country shared experiences from its Department of Education and Vocational Training together with LCAMP, while the Tuscany Region highlighted the QUEEN and SALAM projects. Catalonia showcased regional initiatives connecting education, vocational training and employment services. Centre-Val de Loire presented innovative approaches to career discovery for students and young job seekers, featuring two interactive tools: Découvre N’Go, an educational game that allows participants to explore professions through challenges, discussions and real-life situations, and O’dyssée, an immersive online experience introducing young people to the world of work through missions and encounters with professionals while developing key transferable skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork. Other stands focused the work of GO! and Crescendo CVO Mechelen, Horizon Europe projects SkillsPulse and TRAILS, and EARLALL’s own 25-year journey promoting regional cooperation in lifelong learning.

The afternoon working groups offered participants the opportunity to exchange experiences and identify regional responses to common European challenges.

  • The session on Lifelong Guidance and Ageing Societies, chaired by Andrea Bernert-Büerkle (Baden-Württemberg), explored inclusive lifelong guidance approaches supporting migrants, adults and vulnerable groups, highlighting the importance of accessible and personalised support throughout life transitions.
  • In the Youth Policies working group, chaired by Miriana Bucalossi (Tuscany Region), and with an introduction by Alberto Lenzi (Regional Minister for Employment, Vocational Education and Training, Technological Innovation, Administrative Simplification, Digital Infrastructures, Public Procurement and Contracts – Tuscany Region), participants discussed operational pathways for intergenerational fairness, examining how policies can better address the needs and aspirations of different generations.
  • The Mobility session, co-chaired by Nicholas Waller (City of Borås) and Julia Burkhard (Movetia), focused on approachesto promote inclusive mobility across Europe, emphasising the importance of ensuring that international learning opportunities are accessible to diverse groups of learners.
  • Finally, the Skills and Labour Market working group, chaired by Miriam Castillo and Òscar Martorell Aleman from Catalonia’s Regional Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, examined how micro-credentials can help bridge the gap between labour market demands and skills systems, supporting more flexible and responsive learning pathways.

The day’s discussions were guided by Astrid Burhoi ( Region Västra Götaland) and Nicholas Waller (City of Borås and co-chair of EARLALL’s Working Group on Mobility).

Following the afternoon forum, participants reconvened for the evening programme, “Learning Journeys Across Regions.” The celebration began with registration and a welcome drink, accompanied by a music performance offered by GO! Muziekacademie Etterbeek. The performance provided a fitting opening to the anniversary celebrations, showcasing the role of arts education in nurturing talent, fostering participation and strengthening communities across generations.

In her institutional welcome, Madeleine Jonsson, President of EARLALL and Chair of the Environment and Regional Development Committee of Region Västra Götaland (Sweden), underlined the central role of regions in Europe’s future. “Europe’s future is shaped where people live their lives – in regions and local communities. Our future competitiveness depends on skills, and regions are the ones building the European Union every day.”

A video message from Ylva Johansson, Chair of the European Skills High-Level Board, recognised the unique contribution of regional and local authorities in translating skills policies into practical action. “You are closest to education and training providers, to businesses and, most importantly, to citizens. That puts you in a privileged position to design and deliver skills strategies that work in practice.”

Providing the European Commission’s perspective, Ann Branch, Head of Unit for the Union of Skills at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, stressed that Europe is already undergoing profound transformations driven by digitalisation, demographic change and evolving labour markets. “The future of work is not only about technology,” she noted. “It is about people having confidence, opportunities and the ability to continue learning throughout their lives.” Her intervention highlighted the ambitions of the Union of Skills, emphasising the need to align skills development with strategic priorities, ensure equitable access to learning opportunities, and facilitate mobility and recognition of skills across Europe.

The regional perspective was further reinforced by Csaba Borboly, Vice-President of Harghita County Council and member of the European Committee of the Regions, who reminded participants that regions should not simply implement policies but actively shape them. “This anniversary is not only a celebration; it is also a message. Regions are not only the implementers of European policy – they are co-authors.”

The importance of European cooperation in education was echoed in a video address by MEP Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, who praised the impact of the Erasmus+ programme and called for increased investment to make participation more accessible and inclusive.

In a thought-provoking keynote entitled “Igniting the Desire to Learn: Making Lifelong Learning a Living Experience for All,” Dr Pieter Sprangers (University of Antwerp) challenged participants to rethink traditional understandings of education and lifelong learning. He argued that lifelong learning should no longer be regarded as a luxury, but rather as “the infrastructure of a resilient society.” Highlighting the limitations of education systems designed around a single stage of life, he advocated for a transition towards flexible, learner-centred ecosystems that support continuous development across the lifespan.

Dr Sprangers emphasised that communities, cities and regions are powerful yet often underutilised learning environments. Libraries, museums, community centres and workplaces all have the potential to become spaces where learning is visible, social and embedded in everyday life. He also pointed to emerging opportunities created by technology and artificial intelligence, while stressing that human connection, motivation and a sense of belonging remain essential ingredients for successful lifelong learning.

His presentation invited participants to imagine learning systems that are hybrid, open, inclusive and experimental, enabling people not only to adapt to change, but also to actively shape the future of their communities.

Looking towards the next 25 years, the EARLALL Discussion Session – “Future Scenarios for Learning Regions”brought together regional leaders and experts to reflect on how lifelong learning systems can respond to profound societal transformations.

In the first scenario, “The Unknown Classroom,” Irene Schäfer, Director of up PAMINA vhs, and Paolo Federighi, Honorary Professor of Adult and Continuing Education at the University of Florence, explored the future of regionally rooted adult education institutions. They reflected on declining participation in adult learning, the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and changing labour market demands, while emphasising the enduring value of trusted local institutions.

The discussion highlighted the need for stronger public investment in lifelong learning infrastructures, greater flexibility in learning pathways and renewed governance frameworks capable of safeguarding the public character of adult education. Professor Federighi advocated for a “new learning welfare”, proposing measures such as learning outcome guarantees, enhanced recognition of workplace learning and stronger public support systems to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities. Irene Schäfer emphasised the importance of nurturing a culture of learning throughout life, including through cross-border cooperation and European projects that strengthen regional partnerships.

The second scenario, “No One Left Behind in a Changing World,” focused on demographic change, labour shortages and the need for more inclusive learning systems. Miriam Castillo, Head of Service for Programmes and Projects at the Directorate-General for Vocational Education and Training within the Government of Catalonia, and Iva Janežić, Assistant Head for Development Programmes in Varaždin County, discussed how lifelong learning systems must evolve to respond to increasingly diverse learner needs.

Both speakers argued for moving away from rigid administrative structures towards learner-centred ecosystems built around individual pathways and local realities. Miriam Castillo highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access to opportunities regardless of where people live, recognising all forms of talent and helping individuals identify and communicate their skills. Iva Janežić stressed the value of stronger guidance services and regional learning hubs capable of supporting people as they navigate multiple transitions throughout their lives.

Together, these discussions reinforced a shared message: the future of lifelong learning in Europe depends on systems that are more flexible, more inclusive and more deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Closing the event, Madeleine Jonsson and Noelia Cantero, Director of EARLALL, unveiled the network’s 25th anniversary video and reflected on the collective journey undertaken by the association and its members.

The celebration extended into a second day of activities on 12 June, offering participants the opportunity to deepen connections and experience European cooperation in practice. Study visits included exchanges with European institutions, notably the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as participation in the initiative“Expanding Horizons: Celebrating 5 Years of Ambassador of Mechelen and Building International Connections” organised by GO!  and Crescendo CVO Mechelen.

These visits reinforced one of the key messages emerging from the anniversary celebrations: that learning flourishes through dialogue, mobility and partnerships that transcend borders.

As EARLALL marks its first quarter century, the network remains firmly focused on the future. In an era characterised by rapid technological change, demographic transitions and evolving societal needs, lifelong learning has never been more essential. The anniversary celebrations demonstrated that regions are uniquely positioned to connect people, institutions and opportunities, ensuring that learning remains accessible, inclusive and relevant throughout life.

The celebration of EARLALL’s 25th anniversary will continue throughout 2026, culminating at the EARLALL Annual General Assembly, hosted by Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, from 2–4 December 2026 under the theme: “From Basic Skills to STEM.”

As EARLALL enters its next chapter, the message from Brussels was clear: Europe’s future will be shaped not only by policies and institutions, but by learning regions working together to empower citizens, strengthen communities and build a more resilient and inclusive Europe.

Event materials:

Brussels, 11 June 2026 — On 11 June, the founding partners of the LCAMP Alliance gathered in Brussels for a notary appointment to formally establish the Alliance.

This milestone marked the official creation of the LCAMP Alliance as a permanent international non-profit structure, concluding an important phase of the LCAMP project while ensuring its continued legacy and long-term impact.

Over the course of the project, LCAMP has supported collaboration between education providers, industry partners, clusters, and regional stakeholders to strengthen advanced manufacturing skills and vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. The initiative has contributed to bridging skills gaps, fostering innovation, and improving alignment between training systems and the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.

Although the project has now come to an end, its results and partnerships continue through the newly established Alliance, which will carry forward its mission of promoting cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation in skills development across Europe’s manufacturing ecosystem.

The signing was carried out by the founding members:

  • Basque Government – Tknika
  • CNG (Curt Nicolin Gymnasiet)
  • CQMFi (Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d’Excellence Industrie du futur Occitanie)
  • GEBKİM (Kocaeli Gebze V Chemistry Specialized Organized Industrial Zone)

With this formal establishment, the LCAMP Alliance continues the work initiated under the project, providing a long-term platform for collaboration in support of a more connected, skilled, and future-ready European manufacturing sector.