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 Labour, Vocational Training, Active Labour Market Policies and Technological Innovation, 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.

On 4–5 June 2026, partners of the SALAM project gathered in Gothenburg for the 5th Residential Peer Learning Meeting, hosted by Region Västra Götaland at Yesbox – Home of Entrepreneurs.

Opening perspectives on inclusion and employment

The meeting opened with a welcome session led by Region Västra Götaland, setting the stage for two days of exchange, learning, and collaboration.

Participants were introduced to the regional context for inclusion and employment, highlighting the region’s long-standing commitment to social cohesion, skills development, and inclusive growth as central pillars of its strategy. Labour market integration was presented as a shared responsibility involving public authorities, education providers, employers, and civil society.

A key focus was the “Helhet Syftet” initiative, which promotes a holistic approach to inclusion by combining employment support, education, language learning, and social participation. The initiative generated rich discussion on how such integrated approaches can be adapted and transferred across different regional contexts.

Panel discussion: making labour markets more accessible

A central moment of the first day was a panel discussion on sustainable labour market access for migrants, bringing together representatives from public authorities, employment services, research, business, and civil society.

The debate highlighted persistent structural barriers, including skills mismatches, language barriers, challenges in the recognition of qualifications, fragmented services, and employer perceptions. Participants underlined the importance of long-term, coordinated approaches that integrate employment, education, language acquisition, and social inclusion measures. Trust-building emerged as a key enabling factor across all interventions.

An interactive workshop followed, where participants identified local challenges and co-developed ideas to improve migrants’ access to employment across European regions.

Study visits: inclusion in practice

In the afternoon, participants took part in study visits showcasing inclusion in practice.

At Restad Gård, Sweden’s largest asylum accommodation centre, participants met refugees and a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, public authorities, and private actors. The visit illustrated the importance of cross-sector cooperation in ensuring dignified living conditions and meaningful daily support for asylum seekers.

The programme continued at Dalslands folkhögskola in Trollhättan, where participants explored the role of folk high schools and adult education in supporting language acquisition, skills development, and long-term integration pathways.

Regional approaches to inclusion: Västra Götaland

Region Västra Götaland also presented its broader approach to regional development, innovation, and inclusion. With 1.8 million inhabitants and a strong industrial base, the region aims to combine competitiveness with social sustainability.

Speakers highlighted the paradox of labour shortages alongside unemployment, particularly among migrant populations. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated action across policy domains, with priorities including upskilling, reskilling, improved labour market matching, and strengthened cooperation between education providers, employment services, employers, and industry.

The “Inclusive Competence Boost” project

Participants were introduced to the AMIF-funded “Inclusive Competence Boost” project (2022–2025), implemented by a consortium of 30 partners and reaching more than 2,500 participants.

The project focused on language learning, employability, civic participation, and social inclusion. Results indicate that 80% of participants improved their Swedish language skills, while 67% reported increased employability.

Key lessons emphasised that employability depends not only on skills, but also on confidence, expectations, social relationships, and access to stable support systems. Integrated approaches and strong coordination were identified as essential, with collaboration described as the “infrastructure” of sustainable inclusion.

Study visits and stakeholder perspectives

Additional sessions highlighted practical experiences from organisations working directly with migrants and asylum seekers.

  • The Support Group Network presented its work on early intervention, volunteer engagement, and community-based support, including family cafés and orientation activities.
  • Save the Children shared experiences from projects focused on child protection, early intervention, and safe accommodation for asylum-seeking families.
  • The Swedish Red Cross presented its support services for migrants, including volunteering, counselling, translation, healthcare support, and community activities such as language cafés.

Participants also explored innovative asylum accommodation models combining housing, education, and social services to foster dignity, participation, and community life.

Day two: coordination and next steps

The second day focused on SALAM project implementation and coordination. Partners engaged in bilateral exchanges on policy instruments, sharing experiences, challenges, and progress across regions.

Updates were provided on pilot actions, communication activities, and steering committee discussions. A dedicated workshop allowed partners to align approaches and further strengthen cooperation across the consortium.

Closing reflections

The meeting in Gothenburg once again highlighted the value of European cooperation in addressing complex challenges related to migrant inclusion in the labour market. It brought together diverse experiences, strengthened partnerships, and reinforced the importance of shared learning across regions.

It was particularly meaningful to celebrate SGN’s 10th anniversary with them. EARLALL was also deeply touched to receive a certificate recognising their fruitful and enriching cooperation over the years.

On 8 June 2026, EARLALL hosted the third webinar of the WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) Webinar Series, bringing together practitioners and stakeholders from across Europe to explore practical experiences from the implementation of the WISE Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model.

The webinar featured contributions from practitioners directly involved in the delivery of WISE services, including Federica Rizzi, Yuliia Lebed, Alice Lavagno, Elena Lanteri, Mila Siskovic and Elisabetta Bianchin from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Italy, as well as Alyona Tabunshchyk from Animus Association Foundation in Bulgaria.

Supporting Integration through a Holistic Approach

The session opened with an overview of the WISE project and its Holistic Support Centre model. Designed as a one-stop-shop approach, the HSC combines mental health and psychosocial support with employment services, cultural orientation and individual case management. The model responds to the multiple and interconnected challenges faced by refugee women, including labour market integration, access to public services, social isolation and psychological wellbeing.

Participants learned about the wide range of activities delivered through the HSCs, including job-readiness training, language learning, job fairs, mock interviews, cultural orientation workshops, speaking clubs, arts and crafts activities, theatre, dance, yoga, cooking sessions and the Women Rise programme.

Local Adaptations and Lessons Learned

Speakers highlighted how local needs differ across implementation sites and how the HSC model has been adapted accordingly.

In Italy, practitioners observed an increasing number of recent arrivals from Ukraine, alongside growing needs related to housing, psychological wellbeing and employment stability. Many women were working in short-term or part-time jobs while also carrying significant care responsibilities, limiting their ability to engage in long-term planning. Speakers emphasised the importance of cultural mediation, practical workshops and participant-led activities in building trust and engagement.

In Sofia, childcare and access to schools and kindergartens remained major barriers to employment for young mothers, while older women frequently experienced social isolation. Alyona Tabunshchyk highlighted the importance of practical support in navigating administrative systems and the value of native-speaking field workers in building trust and facilitating access to services. Creative and hands-on group activities were identified as particularly effective in engaging participants and supporting emotional wellbeing.

Voices from the Field

A key part of the webinar focused on real-life case studies and beneficiary testimonials from Sofia, Turin, Milan and Rome, illustrating how the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model is implemented in practice. Through a combination of case management, employment support, psychosocial activities, cultural orientation and referrals to specialised services, the WISE project supports refugee women in overcoming barriers to integration and building sustainable pathways towards social and economic inclusion.

The experiences shared during the session demonstrated the value of a holistic and person-centred approach in addressing interconnected challenges related to employment, access to services, wellbeing, housing, education and legal procedures. Beneficiary stories highlighted how tailored support can strengthen confidence, foster autonomy, expand social networks and facilitate long-term integration.

Measuring Outcomes and Learning for Future Replication

The final part of the webinar focused on monitoring, evaluation and learning. Mila Siskovic presented the WISE monitoring framework, explaining how the project measures progress in areas such as psychosocial wellbeing, employment readiness and socio-economic inclusion.

Participants learned how the project combines case management monitoring, outcome tracking, pre- and post-assessments, and external evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the HSC model. The evidence generated through these activities will support the future replication and scale-up of the model across Europe.

Participants were invited to continue the discussion during the final webinar of the WISE Webinar Series, which will focus on the replication of gender-sensitive and holistic approaches to refugee women’s integration, and at the WISE Final Conference taking place on 16 September 2026 in Brussels.

Learn more about the 3rd Webinar: recording and presentation

On 3 June 2026, EARLALL participated in the event “ZainLab Regional Skills Partnership: Bringing the Basque Experience to the European Union”, organised by the Basque Country, a long-standing member of the EARLALL network, at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event brought together European policymakers, regional authorities and care sector stakeholders to discuss the future of care, employment and skills development in the context of demographic ageing.

ZainLab is a multi-year programme launched by the Basque Government’s Department of Economy, Labour and Employment and implemented by Grupo SSI. Developed as part of the Basque Employment Strategy 2030, the initiative addresses the challenges and opportunities arising from the ageing of the Basque population and the growing importance of the care economy.

Building a More Caring Europe

The event was opened by Idoia Mendia, Member of the European Parliament and ZainLab Ambassador, who emphasised the need to rethink and reshape care systems across Europe. She highlighted that care has traditionally been perceived as a private responsibility, often carried out by women and insufficiently recognised as a strategic sector.

According to Mendia, the challenge is not only to expand care provision but also to create a more sustainable, fair and inclusive care model. She stressed the importance of investing in training, skills development and professional mobility while recognising care as a strategic sector for Europe’s future. She described ZainLab as a valuable example of how regions can anticipate future challenges, create alliances and share innovative practices with others.

The Basque Government’s Strategic Approach

Mikel Torres, Vice-President and Basque Minister of Economy, Labour and Employment, presented the Basque Government’s strategic approach to care and employment in the face of demographic change.

He underlined that care is both a European and a local strategic priority requiring a more ambitious and holistic approach. He argued that quality care cannot exist without quality jobs and highlighted the strong link between care policies and gender equality.

Torres stressed the need for lifelong learning opportunities, upskilling and reskilling pathways, as well as technological and social innovation. Improving quality of life and ensuring better working conditions for care workers must go hand in hand. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between regions and European partners to scale up successful initiatives and share experiences across Europe.

Five Years of ZainLab: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives

Sara Buesa, Director of Inclusion of the Basque Government, and Karmele Acedo, CEO of Grupo SSI, reflected on five years of ZainLab implementation.

They highlighted three key priorities: professionalisation, upskilling and talent attraction within the care sector. The speakers stressed that the future of care requires anticipating emerging skills needs linked to digitalisation, demographic change and the green transition.

Sara Buesa explained that one of ZainLab’s greatest achievements was moving beyond diagnosis and consultation towards concrete action. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the initiative developed new training pathways, new professional profiles and innovative approaches to workforce development.

Karmele Acedo presented ZainLab as a long-term innovation ecosystem. She explained that the project began with an extensive mapping and consultation process involving a wide range of stakeholders before moving into pilot projects and practical experimentation. Through innovative training and mentoring activities, more than 800 people participated in learning pathways designed to strengthen skills and professional recognition in the care sector. She also emphasised the importance of aligning regional initiatives with broader European frameworks such as the Pact for Skills and the Union of Skills.

Both speakers stressed that transforming the care sector requires professional recognition, stronger labour rights, innovative pedagogical approaches and a commitment to anticipating future workforce needs.

The European Perspective

The European dimension of care and employment was presented by Dana-Carmen Bachmann, Head of Unit for Social Protection and Demography at DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), European Commission.

She presented the European Care Strategy, adopted in 2022, which aims to strengthen care systems across Europe and improve access to high-quality, affordable long-term care. Particular attention is being given to workforce development, improved working conditions, social dialogue and support for informal carers.

Bachmann also highlighted a range of European funding opportunities supporting care-related initiatives, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Policy Funds, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and EU health programmes. Looking ahead, she presented the upcoming European Care Deal, which will focus on workforce challenges, quality of care and access to services.

She called on stakeholders to continue making the care sector more visible within European policy discussions and highlighted the relevance of the Union of Skills, skills portability initiatives and fair labour mobility measures.

The practical implementation of European priorities was further explored by Alessia Sebillo, Head of Knowledge and Innovation at EASPD (European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities).

She presented the Large-Scale Partnership for Long-Term Care under the Pact for Skills, which brings together stakeholders from across Europe to address skills shortages and workforce challenges in the care sector. The partnership aims to train 60% of long-term care professionals annually by 2030 and focuses on digital skills, person-centred approaches, research and innovation.

Sebillo also highlighted the benefits of participation in European partnerships, including access to innovative resources, lifelong learning opportunities, networking and knowledge exchange.

Looking Towards the Future

The event concluded with remarks from Alfonso Gurpegui, Basque Deputy Minister for Employment and Inclusion.

He explained that although the Basque Country is a relatively small region, it seeks to contribute to European discussions and learn from other territories facing similar challenges. He recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the care sector and reinforced the need for long-term investment and innovation.

Since its launch, the Basque Government has invested approximately €2.6 million in the development and implementation of ZainLab, supporting analysis, experimentation and innovation activities. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to strengthen its European dimension, continue developing innovative methodologies and contribute to the transformation of the care sector across Europe.

The event demonstrated how regional initiatives such as ZainLab can contribute to European debates on care, skills and employment while providing valuable lessons for policymakers and practitioners seeking to build more sustainable and inclusive care systems.

On 4-5 June 2026, EARLALL participated in the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) High-Level Event 2026, hosted in Rome by the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (European Commission), the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Junior Achievement Italy and Roma Tre University.

Bringing together policymakers, education and training providers, employers, social partners, learners, and regional and local authorities from across Europe, the event focused on the future of apprenticeships, entrepreneurial learning, and vocational education and training (VET). Participants explored how apprenticeship systems can better respond to labour market needs while supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.

Apprenticeships and entrepreneurship as drivers of Europe’s future

The event opened alongside the final stage of the Junior Achievement Italy Entrepreneurship Championship, creating a unique opportunity to connect discussions on entrepreneurial learning with the broader debate on skills and apprenticeships.

In a video message, Italy’s Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara,  highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age and strengthening the links between education and the world of work. Referring to recent developments in the Italian VET system, the Minister emphasised that entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation are essential drivers of economic growth and social prosperity. Encouraging young people to embrace initiative and innovation, he stressed that entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity for future generations.

Anna Gionfriddo, President of Junior Achievement Italy, highlighted the growing importance of transversal skills and the European dimension of entrepreneurship education and apprenticeships. Miriam Cresta, CEO of Junior Achievement Italy, reinforced this message, noting that while technologies and labour markets continue to evolve, human creativity remains a key driver of innovation and progress.

Delivering the European Commission’s perspective, Mario Nava, Director-General of DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), stressed that vocational education and training and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships are fundamental pillars of Europe’s skills agenda. He highlighted that successful apprenticeship systems depend on strong partnerships between European institutions, national governments, local authorities, education providers and employers. Policies, he noted, only become meaningful when they are translated into concrete action on the ground through committed local leadership and effective cooperation.

Representing the host city, Daniele Parrucci, Councillor of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, shared how local initiatives supported by European cooperation have helped engage thousands of learners across Italy. He emphasised the importance of addressing skills mismatches, strengthening connections between education and labour market needs, and ensuring that young people can access high-quality vocational and higher education pathways.

Embedding entrepreneurial competences into VET and apprenticeships

The first panel discussion, “Embedding Entrepreneurial Competences in Higher VET and Apprenticeships: European Perspectives”, moderated by Magda Janiak (Lublin Academy of Economics and Innovation and coordinator of the EAfA Community on Higher Apprenticeships), explored how entrepreneurial competences can be better integrated into vocational education and apprenticeship pathways.

The discussion focused on how entrepreneurial skills can be embedded into curricula, assessment methods and work-based learning experiences while responding to real labour market needs.

Anna Maria Czarny (Hanse Parlament) presented experiences from Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), highlighting the importance of learning-by-doing approaches and stronger collaboration between VET providers, businesses and regional stakeholders. She stressed that entrepreneurial competences should be integrated across educational pathways and supported through practical experiences that help learners develop initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Lucy Marshall (Workplus Ireland) shared insights from the Irish apprenticeship system, emphasising the importance of employer engagement and stronger cooperation with SMEs. She highlighted the need to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities, expand pathways into emerging sectors and ensure closer collaboration between education providers and employers to meet evolving labour market demands.

Providing a regional perspective, Pierpaolo Pontecorvo (ITS Academy Lazio Digital) showcased how entrepreneurship is embedded within higher technical education through close cooperation with companies, universities and local authorities. He highlighted practical initiatives supporting students in business creation, innovation and start-up development, demonstrating how entrepreneurial learning can become an integral part of vocational pathways.

A common message emerged from the discussion: entrepreneurial competences are becoming increasingly important for learners, employers and local economies alike. Building effective apprenticeship systems requires collaboration between education providers, businesses, public authorities and intermediary organisations, ensuring that entrepreneurial learning is embedded throughout the learner journey.

In her concluding remarks, Anna Barbieri, Team Leader for Apprenticeships and Erasmus+ for VET at the European Commission, highlighted the importance of moving from successful pilot initiatives towards more systemic approaches. She emphasised the role of Erasmus+, Centres of Vocational Excellence and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships in supporting innovation, awareness-raising and long-term partnership building.

EARLALL highlights the strategic role of regions and cities

The second panel, “Metropolitan Governance for VET and Apprenticeships: Comparing Ecosystem Models Across Europe”, focused on how local and regional authorities can act as facilitators of integrated apprenticeship ecosystems and foster sustainable stakeholder engagement.

Moderated by Luca Mobilio (Ecorys), the discussion brought together Stefano Carta (Metropolitan City of Rome Capital), Alicia Gabán Barrio (EARLALL), Daniele Sabato (OBESSU and the European Apprentices Network) and Sabrina Lipari (Junior Achievement Italy).

The panel explored how apprenticeship ecosystems can move beyond project-based cooperation towards long-term governance structures that bring together education providers, employers, learners and public authorities.

Representing EARLALL, Alicia Gabán Barrio highlighted the unique position of regional and local authorities as connectors within skills ecosystems. Drawing on EARLALL’s work and experiences from the QUEEN – Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs, Interreg Europe Programme project, she emphasised that regions and municipalities are increasingly acting as strategic enablers of lifelong learning, skills development and apprenticeship pathways.

Her intervention focused on the conditions needed for local and regional authorities to play a stronger role in apprenticeship governance. These include more effective multi-level governance arrangements, stable and long-term funding mechanisms, improved access to labour market intelligence, and stronger recognition of regions and cities as key actors in education and skills policies.

The discussion also addressed the importance of sustaining employer engagement beyond individual projects. Speakers highlighted the value of trust-based partnerships, learner participation, intermediary organisations and collaborative governance models that create lasting benefits for both employers and learners.

A key takeaway from the session was that successful apprenticeship ecosystems do not emerge through isolated initiatives. Instead, they require coordinated governance structures, long-term commitment and strong partnerships capable of adapting to changing economic and social realities.

Strengthening cooperation across Europe

Beyond the panel discussions, the event provided an excellent opportunity for EARLALL to strengthen its collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital and engage directly with members of the EAfA Community on the Role of Cities and Regions in Fostering Apprenticeships.

Across all sessions, a shared message emerged: Europe needs apprenticeship systems that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive to future skills needs. Achieving this ambition requires strong cooperation between all levels of governance, with regions and cities playing a central role in connecting education, training and employment opportunities.

Resources

On 4 June 2026, EARLALL met with representatives from the Trøndelag European Office, a member of the EARLALL network, and with a representative of Trøndelag County Council responsible for Erasmus+ cooperation and international activities within the region.

During the meeting, EARLALL presented its mission, priorities, and key areas of activity, highlighting how the network supports regional authorities in advancing lifelong learning through European cooperation. Representatives of Trøndelag were particularly interested in EARLALL’s work related to Erasmus+, mobility initiatives, peer learning, and interregional exchange.

The discussion focused on how EARLALL facilitates collaboration among regions, supports the exchange of good practices, and contributes to European projects and policy initiatives. Participants also learned more about the network’s involvement in European partnerships and its role in promoting regional perspectives in EU education and training policies.

Particular interest was shown in EARLALL’s mobility and peer-learning activities, including the Borås-SOC initiative. This flexible and demand-driven approach enables regions to learn directly from one another through study visits, job shadowing, and thematic exchanges tailored to regional needs. The initiative demonstrates how peer learning can strengthen regional capacities and foster innovation in education and training systems.

The meeting also opened discussions on potential future cooperation between EARLALL and Trøndelag County Counsil. We are grateful for the fruitful exchange and look forward to continuing the dialogue with the region on shared priorities in lifelong learning, skills development, and European cooperation.

On 3 June 2026, EARLALL participated in a stakeholder consultation organised at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels to discuss the future development of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

The consultation aimed to gather feedback on the key recommendations outlined in the draft opinion of the European Committee of the Regions on the New European Bauhaus, prepared by the rapporteur, Ms Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew Europe). Bringing together representatives from local and regional authorities, EU institutions, civil society organisations, academia and practitioners, the event provided an opportunity to assess whether the proposed measures adequately respond to stakeholders’ needs and expectations and to identify additional ideas for strengthening the implementation of the initiative.

Participants engaged in thematic discussions covering key aspects of the New European Bauhaus, including citizen participation, funding mechanisms, the development of the NEB Label and NEB Academy. Through collaborative exchanges, stakeholders shared experiences from their respective sectors and explored ways to further embed the principles of sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics into local and regional development.

EARLALL took part in the working group dedicated to the NEB Academy, contributing its expertise in lifelong learning, capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Discussions focused on the skills and competences needed to support the green, social and cultural transitions promoted by the New European Bauhaus, as well as on approaches to making learning opportunities more accessible and relevant for different target groups.

The consultation highlighted the importance of cooperation between European institutions, regional and local authorities, education and training providers, and civil society in ensuring the successful implementation of the New European Bauhaus. The outcomes of the discussions will contribute to the finalisation of the Committee of the Regions opinion and help shape future actions supporting the initiative across Europe.

As a European association representing regional and local authorities committed to lifelong learning, EARLALL welcomes the opportunity to contribute to policy discussions that connect education, sustainability, inclusion and innovation, and looks forward to continuing its engagement with the New European Bauhaus community.

On 28 May 2026, EARLALL participated in the eighth Coordination Meeting of the LeadEx – Learning about the Educational Approach to Develop Excellence project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme. The online meeting brought together project partners from Region of Murcia Murcia, Podkarpackie Region, Central Denmark Region, Ministry of Education of Slovenia, Center for Vocational Education of Montenegro, and EARLALL member Varaždin County to review progress and coordinate activities for the third semester of the project.

The meeting marked the official launch of the project’s third implementation semester (May-October 2026), during which partners will focus on identifying and exchanging Good Practices that promote inclusion, diversity, and excellence in education. Participants shared updates on stakeholder engagement activities taking place across their regions and discussed ongoing efforts to identify, collect, and assess innovative educational approaches.

A key item on the agenda was the preparation of the upcoming Study Visit to Montenegro, scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Montenegro. The visit will explore themes related to inclusive education, diversity, excellence, innovation, lifelong learning, and the links between education and labour market needs. Partners also discussed the presentation of selected Good Practices and stakeholder involvement during the visit.

As the project’s communication leader, EARLALL provided an update on communication and dissemination activities. Discussions focused on finalising second-semester reporting and implementing the communication actions planned for the current semester, including project news articles, social media activities, newsletters, and contributions to the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on the key priorities for the coming months, including the completion of stakeholder consultations, the selection of one Good Practice per partner region, and preparations for the October Study Visit. Through its continued involvement in LeadEx, EARLALL remains committed to fostering interregional cooperation and supporting the exchange of innovative approaches that contribute to more inclusive, diverse, and excellent education systems across Europe.

On 28 May 2026, EARLALL participated in the coordination meeting of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. As communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the project, EARLALL contributed to discussions on upcoming activities, reporting coordination and stakeholder engagement.

The meeting brought together project partners to review progress achieved so far and coordinate the next implementation steps leading towards the final phase of the project. Discussions focused on dissemination activities, reporting timelines, upcoming deliverables, stakeholder engagement and preparations for the WISE final conference, which will take place on 16 September 2026 in Brussels.

Partners also reviewed the progress of the WISE webinar series, which continues to engage practitioners and stakeholders working on refugee women’s integration and wellbeing across Europe. In addition, the consortium discussed future communication activities and outreach strategies to further strengthen the visibility and impact of the project at local, regional and European level.

EARLALL will continue supporting the consortium through communication, dissemination and policy outreach activities, contributing to the promotion of inclusive and holistic approaches to the socio-economic integration and wellbeing of refugee women across Europe.

Today, on 26 May 2026, EARLALL, as the communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the WISE project, hosted and coordinated the second WISE webinar on Supporting Employment Pathways: Skill-Based Guidance with the SkillLab AI Tool, bringing together around 20 participants from across Europe to discuss innovative approaches supporting the socio-economic integration of Ukrainian refugee women.

The webinar is organised within the framework of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. The initiative aims to present the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model, share experiences from implementation sites in Turin, Milan, Rome and Sofia, showcase practical lessons learned from the WISE project, and encourage the replication of this integrated support approach in different European contexts.

The second session focused on labour market integration, skills profiling and the role of AI-powered tools in supporting refugee women’s employment pathways.

Sara Bonfanti from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Italy opened the thematic presentations with an overview of job readiness and labour market integration within the WISE project. She highlighted how the Holistic Support Centres combine employment counselling, psychosocial support, digital literacy, language learning and community-based activities to provide tailored and gender-sensitive support for refugee women. Particular attention was given to barriers such as recognition of qualifications, language challenges, workplace integration and the importance of trauma-informed approaches.

Sylvana Hiltrop from SkillLab presented the concept of skills profiling and demonstrated the AI-based SkillLab tool used within the project. The session explored how skills-based approaches can help refugee women identify transferable competences gained through professional, educational and life experiences, while increasing confidence and supporting career transitions. The presentation also showed how the platform assists both jobseekers and counsellors by creating more personalised and skills-oriented employment pathways.

The webinar also featured practical insights from the field through case studies presented by Sara Bonfanti (IRC Italy) and Alyona Tabunshchyk from Animus Association Foundation in Bulgaria. Speakers shared reflections on the implementation of the SkillLab tool across Italy and Bulgaria, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. While the tool proved valuable in helping women recognise their competences and explore new career paths, the discussions also stressed the importance of individual counselling, psychological support and language learning as key preconditions for successful labour market integration. Real-life examples illustrated how some beneficiaries found employment, explored career changes or regained professional confidence through the holistic support model.

The webinar concluded with a European policy update delivered by EARLALL. The presentation connected the WISE project to broader EU developments, including the newly launched Union of Skills strategy, the upcoming Skills Portability Initiative and the future EU Talent Pool platform. The session highlighted how these initiatives can support fair labour mobility, improve recognition of qualifications and skills, and create new employment opportunities for refugee women and other third-country nationals across Europe.

2st Webinar: recording and presentation

In May 2026, representatives from the Working Life Department of Borås Stad (Sweden) took part in a three-day job-shadowing exchange hosted by the Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) in Barcelona. The visit was funded by the Erasmus+ programme and facilitated through the EARLALL Mobility Matchmaking Tool and the Pact for Skills Regional Skills Partnership on Lifelong Learning Mobility.

The exchange brought together professionals working in employment services, HR, youth policy, and social innovation to explore how regional employment systems design and implement active labour market policies, with a particular focus on inclusion, skills development, and cross-border cooperation. In addition, the visitors carried out individual job shadowing activities throughout the visit, in line with the methodology and objectives of the Erasmus+ mobility grant.

The exchange also highlighted the complexity — and value — of creating meaningful peer-learning opportunities across different administrative and institutional contexts. As Ana Cáceres Gómez, Technical Officer at SOC’s International Programs Department, reflected: “Designing an agenda tailored to each job shadowing profile has not been easy, but it has been a very positive and enriching experience for SOC. What we have learned about the Working Life Department has especially highlighted the value of integrated services and direct collaboration between departments — an approach we are eager to understand more deeply, as it remains a key challenge for us.”

Nicholas Waller from Borås Stad also highlighted the importance of embracing institutional differences as part of the learning process: “It was a challenge in finding suitable matches when you consider language barriers, different ways of organizing services, and the sizable difference between our small Swedish city and the large region of Catalonia. However, discovering differences is part of the learning experience.”

He also emphasized the quality of the hosting experience, noting that participants “were met with such care and planning that they could truly focus on the full value of the mobility exchange.”

A comprehensive introduction to Catalonia’s public employment system

The programme provided participants with a structured overview of SOC’s institutional framework and its role within Catalonia’s active labour market policies. Sessions highlighted how SOC operates within a multi-level governance system, coordinating regional competences with national frameworks and a wide network of local partners.

Key areas of work presented included vocational training, youth employment support, inclusion programmes, and citizen-oriented employment services. Participants also learned about flagship initiatives such as the ACOL employment pathway, international cooperation projects, and inclusion-focused programmes such as ALMA.

A strong emphasis was placed on collaboration with municipalities, training centres, and social entities to ensure accessible and tailored employment support for diverse target groups.

The exchange offered participants the opportunity to better understand how regional employment services integrate multiple policy layers into coherent delivery systems while adapting services to local labour market realities.

Parallel job-shadowing activities across services and territories

Over three days, participants engaged in parallel job-shadowing tracks adapted to their professional profiles. Some followed SOC’s central services, gaining insight into programme design, strategic coordination, internal governance, and social innovation initiatives, including pilot projects and evaluation mechanisms.

Others visited local employment ecosystems such as Grameimpuls in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, observing how work-based learning, vocational training workshops, and sector-specific pathways — including hospitality training — support labour market integration at municipal level.

Another group focused on employment programme management and technical coordination, exploring EU-funded initiatives, grant management systems, staff recruitment processes, and competence-based assessment approaches.

A dedicated inclusion-focused session explored how SOC integrates equality principles into programme design and prioritises support for people in vulnerable situations.

Emelie Persson (Borås Stad) particularly highlighted SOC’s proactive approach to identifying competencies and supporting job seekers early in the process: “SOC worked proactively to establish early contact with job seekers to identify and validate each individual’s competencies. This included both visible qualifications and experience that may not always emerge during an initial review of a person’s work history.”

She also noted the similarities between Barcelona and Borås in their approaches to tackling youth unemployment, particularly through outreach-based work with young people. One initiative that particularly stood out for participants was a programme supporting women’s access to male-dominated professions. As Emelie Persson explained: “What particularly stood out and fascinated me was the project where 35 women were given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and work experience within a male-dominated profession, contributing to a broader recruitment base and a more gender-equal labour market.”

Key learning themes

Across the exchange, several common learning themes emerged:

  • The importance of multi-level governance in delivering employment services
  • Strong collaboration between regional authorities, municipalities, and training providers
  • Innovative approaches to youth employment and skills development
  • The role of international cooperation in strengthening public employment systems
  • Practical tools for programme monitoring, evaluation, and strategic coordination

Frida Augustsson (Borås Stad) highlighted the preventive and motivational dimension of SOC’s work with young people: “It was rewarding to see how proactive they are at an earlier stage in supporting and preparing individuals. For example, they visit schools and work preventively to support and motivate young people to complete their education.”

She also reflected on the strong emphasis placed on individual responsibility and activation measures within Catalonia’s employment services model, particularly in supporting individuals to remain engaged and active in their employment pathways. Another aspect that stood out was the importance SOC places on external cooperation and ecosystem-building. According to Frida Augustsson: “They work closely and actively within networks such as schools, universities, and organisations connected to regional industry sectors and centres of expertise.”

She noted that this strong focus on external networking offered a valuable perspective on how employment services can strengthen labour market integration through partnerships and long-term cooperation with local actors.

Strengthening cooperation through peer learning

The exchange created a valuable space for mutual learning between Catalonia and Sweden, reinforcing shared priorities around inclusive employment, skills development, and lifelong learning mobility.

It also strengthened connections within the EARLALL Mobility Working Group and the broader Pact for Skills partnership, supporting ongoing collaboration on how regions can jointly respond to labour market challenges through knowledge exchange and staff mobility.

Several potential areas for future cooperation were identified, particularly in youth employment strategies, inclusion policies, and structured mobility pathways for professionals and learners.

The exchange also demonstrated how mobility activities can strengthen long-term institutional relationships and mutual understanding between regions. As Nicholas Waller summarised, despite organisational and contextual differences, the exchange created a highly valuable learning experience for all participants.

Looking ahead

This job-shadowing exchange at SOC highlights the continued value of peer learning between regional employment services in Europe. By placing practitioners directly in operational environments, the Mobility Matchmaking Tool helps transform policy exchange into practical cooperation and long-term partnerships.

The experience in Barcelona reinforces the importance of sustained investment in inclusive mobility initiatives that strengthen skills systems and support more connected, resilient public employment services across Europe.