EARLALL Participates in LLLPlatform General Assembly and Policy Debate at the European Parliament
03/07/2025
As an associated member of the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP), EARLALL took part in the two-day General Assembly held in Brussels, which marked a key milestone in the development of the new LLLP Manifesto to be adopted in 2025. Building on its previous edition, the new Manifesto sets a clear vision for inclusive, resilient, and future-ready lifelong learning systems across Europe.
The first day was marked by a High-Level Policy Debate hosted at the European Parliament, dedicated to revising and shaping the future Manifesto. The debate gathered high-profile stakeholders and policymakers who welcomed the direction of the new document. Among them, Executive Vice President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, endorsed the Manifesto and recognised its alignment with the current European agenda — particularly the Union of Skills initiative. She underlined the importance of individual learning accounts (ILAs), micro-credentials, skills portability, and a European VET diploma — all strategic areas of interest for EARLALL.
Vice-President of the European Parliament and co-chair of the EP Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe, Victor Negrescu, together with representatives from UNESCO and the OECD, echoed the need for a people-centred, skills-oriented approach to learning. They welcomed the Manifesto as a timely response to today’s societal challenges, highlighting its relevance in promoting inclusive access, strengthening resilience, and improving the implementation of existing policies, particularly for disadvantaged groups.
Dr Borhene Chakroun, Director for Lifelong Learning Policies, UNESCO, noted that the spirit of the Manifesto channels thought leaders like Paulo Freire and Jacques Delors, positioning it as not just an advocacy document, but a strategic agenda-setting tool. El Iza Mohamedou from the OECD Centre for Skills highlighted the need for improved use of existing data and the value of training systems that reach all learners. Stefaan Hermans, Director for Policy Strategy and Evaluation at DG EAC (European Commission), stressed the transformative role of the European Education Area, which has elevated cooperation and policy-making in education to new levels. He affirmed that education is a key indicator of a society’s adaptability and cohesion.
LLLP members, including EARLALL, actively contributed to the discussions throughout the debate, providing input and sharing practices from their respective territories.
The second day of the General Assembly focused on statutory matters, including the adoption of the General Assembly’s 2024 reports, the 2025 financial plan, membership, discharge of the Steering Committee, and the work plan for 2025 presented by the LLLP Director, Brikena Xhomaqi.
EARLALL remains committed to supporting the Lifelong Learning Platform’s mission and contributing to the successful implementation of the new Manifesto in the coming years.
