Archive & category
In March 2026, EBSN and the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) published a joint policy package responding to recent evidence on adult skills and participation in adult learning. The policy package, entitled “Beyond the Low-Skills Trap”, builds on...
Across Europe, the challenge of low basic skills remains structural. According to the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), roughly one in four adults in Europe — around 54 million people — struggle with literacy or numeracy...
On 21 April 2026, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) contributed to the EVTA Community MeetUp “Strengthening Basic Skills in VET: Supporting Learners for the Future”, organised by the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA). The online session brought...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
A recent article published by The Conversation has reignited an important debate about adult literacy, revealing that more than one in three Australian adults may lack the literacy skills needed to fully participate in modern society. The findings serve as a reminder...
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...