LIFELONG LEARNING
The European elections will set the tone for the future of Europe. Over the last years, the unity of Europeans and the strength of our values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights have been put through many tests. We are fundamentally convinced of the importance of a united and inclusive Europe. We want to champion sustainable food and farming as catalysts for greater unity, solidarity, and a fairer and healthier future.
Inclusive and quality lifelong learning for all Europeans
1. Making lifelong learning a reality supported by investment at local, regional and national and EU levels
Progress towards the ET2020 objective on participation in lifelong learning has stalled in the last decade around 10% while the objectives were to achieve 15% on average in the EU by 2020 (ET2020 Monitor 2018). At the same time, investment in education in the Member States decreased in real terms (LLLP, Press release, 2017) at a time when there is consensus across sectors that re-skilling and upskilling is more needed than ever. Newly-elected MEPs should channel their efforts into advocating for more investment in lifelong learning at different levels of decision-making.
2. Build inclusive & democratic educational systems
New policies aiming at reforming educational systems should facilitate the participation of all affected stakeholders in their design and implementation. This is the only way to make sure that education systems respond to the individual needs of the learners (whatever their background is) and to the collective needs of our society. EU institutions should foster educational systems that promote democratic EU values and inclusive learning environments where no one is left behind. To achieve those goals, it is crucial that newly-elected MEPs work with stakeholders and civil society organisations at European level who are voicing the concerns of people across Europe.
3. Increase the relevance of education to modern societies
43% of the Europeans still lack the digital skills to be able to fully participate in and benefit from the digital society. There is a need to revise the policies and strategies to make the digitalisation work for all, not only to address labour market needs but also develop individuals’ key competencies for life and personal development (LLLP, Position Paper, 2017). After all, it is not digital technology itself that creates change, people do. The importance of developing digital skills goes hand in hand with the need to ensure all learners are equipped with the transversal skills (e.g. creativity, information literacy, “learning to learn”) required to participate actively in society and cope with rapid social changes. Newly-elected MEPs should thus bear in mind that technological innovation does not eclipse the need for innovative pedagogies – online or offline – that respond to learners’ individual needs to live in diverse societies.
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Reports
- LLL European Parliament Interest Group Guiding principles
- Lifelong Learning Platform, Press release (2017), Worrying trends in financing education in Europe: down by 11% since 2009!
- European Commission (2018), Education and Training Monitor 2020
- LLLPlatform Position Paper (2017), Reimagining education for the digital age
Political Parties On Issues
ISSUES
The On Our Watch project brings together Civil Society Organisations working on all kind of topics. As representatives of and in direct contact with citizens, organisations have a strong role to play in holding the European Parliament accountable to the public. By joining forces in the context of the #EUelections2019 (23-26 May), On Our Watch offers a comprehensive overview of the key issues that European citizens care about.
Want to join? Get in touch! Contact: christian.skriverik[@]europeanmovemnt.eu | Address: Place du Luxembourg 2, B-1050, Brussels | Phone: +32 2 508 30 83