The Nordic-Baltic PIAAC Conference 2026 will take place on 26–27 August 2026 at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The event will bring together policymakers and researchers to explore the potential of OECD’s PIAAC and to discuss the latest insights shaping the future of adult skills development.
The programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discus...
Read More
Vacancy Announcement: Expert in Research and Policy Analysis at Cedefop
Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, has published a vacancy for the position of Expert in Research and Policy Analysis.
This opportunity may be of particular interest to professionals working in the fields of skills development, lifelong learning, vocational education and training, labour market analysis, and evidence-based policy development.
...
Read More
Call for Applications: UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026
UNESCO has launched the call for applications and nominations for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026.
Since 1967, the Prizes have recognised outstanding and innovative programmes that promote literacy and contribute to the development of inclusive, literate societies worldwide. More than 500 initiatives led by governments, non-governmental organisations and individuals have rece...
Read More
Rooting democracy in adult learning: EBSN-facilitated EPALE discussion highlights the role of basic skills
On 26 March 2026, EPALE hosted the online discussion “Rooting democracy and active citizenship in adult learning”, generated and facilitated with the support of EBSN. The exchange brought together educators, policymakers, researchers and practitioners from across Europe to explore how adult learning can strengthen democratic participation in a time of social polarisation, digital disruption a...
Read More
EPALE Discussion on Rethinking Libraries as Innovative Learning Spaces
We are inviting you to join us for the upcoming EPALE discussion titled Rethinking Libraries as Innovative Learning Spaces on 28 May between 10:00-16:00 CET.
Libraries are increasingly recognised as innovative learning spaces in adult education, going far beyond their traditional role as repositories of knowledge. They offer accessible, low-threshold environments&n...
Read More
Registration now open for the EBSN Annual Conference 2026
Registration is now open for the EBSN Annual Conference 2026, which will take place 17–19 June 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.Held under the theme “Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation”, this year’s conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, educators and adult learning professionals from across Europe for exchang...
Read More
EBSN Chair Alex Stevenson in ELM Magazine: PIAAC results must lead to stronger action for adults with low basic skills
A recent interview published by ELM Magazine features Alex Stevenson, Chair of the European Basic Skills Network, reflecting on England’s latest PIAAC results and warning that adults with low basic skills are still being left behind. The interview offers an important contribution to the wider European debate on how adult learning and education systems should respond to persistent in...
Read More
Beyond the Low-Skills Trap: A Joint Policy Strategy by EBSN & EAEA
In response to the 2024 OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) and stagnating participation rates across Europe, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) and the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) launched a sector-wide consultation.
The resulting joint policy package shifts the narrative from blaming learners for a "lack of motivation" to addressing the structural failures in a...
Read More
Call for Contributions Open: EBSN Annual Conference 2026
We are pleased to announce that the Call for Contributions for the EBSN Annual Conference 2026 is now open.
The conference will take place 17–19 June 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, hosted in cooperation with the Research Center for Linguistics at NOVA University Lisbon (CLUNL).
Under the theme “Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation”, the conference will b...
Read More
New ELINET blog: Whose literacy needs are not being met?
A new blog post on ELINET by Aoife Crawford (Research and Policy Officer, National Adult Literacy Agency – NALA, Ireland) explores a crucial question: whose literacy needs remain unmet - and why?
The article starts from a striking figure: in Ireland, one in five adults have literacy needs, meaning they score at or below Level 1 (out of five levels) in the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). ...
Read More