Everyone has a right to quality, inclusive education and lifelong learning, says the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights .
The European Union has set an ambitious target: by 2030, at least 60% of all adults aged 25–64 should participate in training each year—up from just 12.5% in 2010. This sharp rise reflects the urgency with which the EU now addresses the challenges of ageing populations, skills mismatches, digital transformation and global economic pressure.
Why is this so urgent?
Rapid change in the labour market means workers must adapt continuously to new roles and technologies.
Weak implementation of existing initiatives—such as the Upskilling Pathways (2016), the Pact for Skills (2020), and Individual Learning Accounts (2022)—means targets often remain unmet at local and individual levels .
What lies at the heart of the issue?
Low-skilled, older adults are often excluded from training programmes—even though they stand to gain most.
Many micro and small enterprises lack the capacity or awareness to invest in employee development, with fewer than 20% currently tapping into training’s potential .
What is Cedefop's role?
Cedefop is working to build a holistic, inclusive training landscape. Their approach involves:
Encouraging active participation by all stakeholders—governments, employers, education providers.
Developing strategies to make training more accessible and aligned with real needs across regions and communities .
What this means for adult education projects
For initiatives like Learning for All, Cedefop’s message is clear:
Develop benchmarking tools and capacity‑building courses that respond to EU-wide goals.
Focus on low-skilled and marginalized adult learners, including migrants and refugees.
Engage micro, small and medium enterprises, and ensure staff and educators feel supported and motivated.
What success will look like by 2030
At least 60% of adults trained annually, compared with 12.5% in 2010.
More inclusive, flexible and responsive systems reaching diverse learners.
Greater employer investment in skills development, especially in SMEs.
Workplaces evolving into continuous learning environments, not just formal classrooms.
Why it matters
Lifelong learning is not just a policy goal—it is a foundation for social inclusion, economic resilience and individual empowerment. As Europe evolves, training and reskilling must be seen as core components of active citizenship and workforce adaptability.
For original reference
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news/imperative-lifelong-learning