Lifelong learning and education is a key concept for the development of adult education as an area of practice and theoretical consideration. In recent decades, meanwhile, the idea of lifelong education and learning has been central to the guidance of various international organisations of many countries.

This book critically reflects on the context in which lifelong learning policies and practices are organized in Europe with contributions of researchers and policy makers in the field. Through a critical lens the book reinterprets the core content of the messages that are conveyed by the European Commission in the “Memorandum for Lifelong Learning”, the most important policy document in the area, which after a decade from its publication still remains the vehicle for all current developments in lifelong learning in Europe. With references to research findings, proposed actions, and applications to immediate practice that have an added value for Europeans –but which either do not appear to correspond directly to what is stipulated by the European Commission, or are completely ignored as part of the lifelong learning process– the book offers an analytic and systematic outlook of the main challenges in creating the ‘European Area of Lifelong Learning’. In times as decisive as the ones we are going through today (both in social and economic terms), a critical perspective of the practices and policies adopted by the EU Member States is essential. The book follows the same structure as the Memorandum in order to debate and critically approach in separate sections the core issues that Europe faces today in relation to the idea of making a ‘European area of Lifelong Learning’. ​

This comprehensive collection discusses topical issues essential to both scholarship and policy making in the realm of Lifelong Learning (LLL) policies and how far they succeed in supporting young people across their life courses, rather than one-sidedly fostering human capital for the economy. Examining specific regional and local contexts across Europe, all various in context, this book uses original research to evaluate differences in scope, approach, orientation, and objectives. It enquires into the embedding of LLL policies into the regional economy, the labour market, education and training systems and the individual life projects of young people, with focus on those in situations of near social exclusion.

This book examines lifelong learning through the lens of policy studies. It scrutinises the implications of lifelong learning policies in a variety of states and localities to explore the interplay between commonalities and differences within and across Europe and Latin America. The chapters explore adult education and learning, vocational education and training, higher education and employment policies in Europe and Latin America with a focus on how decision-makers have designed and implemented them. These contributions analyse to what extent diverse providers offer opportunities to learners with a variable range of ages. Their main research questions focus on the interactions between providers, educational authorities and employers of graduates at local, regional and national geographical scales. This book invites the readers to broaden up the concept of lifelong learning beyond the scope of compensatory, upskilling measures. The chapters spell out subtle but powerful connections between lifelong learning, digitalisation, employability, social inclusion, strategic policy-making and local development. This volume will be a key resource for practitioners, scholars and researchers of lifelong and adult education, educational policy, education studies, sociology, political science and psychology. It was originally published as a special issue of International Journal of Lifelong Education.

"The publication...consists of two parts: 1)Commission Communication adopted on 21 November 2001, "Making a European Area of lifelong learning a reality" COM (2001) 678 and 2)"Lifelong learning - indicators and practice" which is based on the Commission staff working document (28 November 2001) entitled "Lifelong learning-practice and indicators' SEC (2001) 1939"--[P.] 2 of cover.

For the European Union, lifelong learning has become a means of achieving both competitiveness and social cohesion in an increasingly knowledge-based and globalised economy. Though the concept of lifelong learning is not new, it now coincides with a period of rapid EU expansion. The research project the book is based on examines how lifelong learning is understood and operationalised, especially in countries within the area of the EU's expansion. Europe, its policy-makers and peoples, need to know whether lifelong learning can contribute to the construction of a European identity - and if so, how. The research points to the importance of diverse national contexts, which suggests a single model of lifelong learning across the EU is unlikely to be achieved. While the EU may encourage a common policy, and this may generate significant national policy developments, these will be strongly influenced by national context: institutional, political, social, ideological. Many countries will continue - consciously or unconsciously - to "pick and choose" between different EU priorities.

This comprehensive collection discusses topical issues essential to both scholarship and policy making in the realm of Lifelong Learning (LLL) policies and how far they succeed in supporting young people across their life courses, rather than one-sidedly fostering human capital for the economy. Examining specific regional and local contexts across Europe, all various in context, this book uses original research to evaluate differences in scope, approach, orientation, and objectives. It enquires into the embedding of LLL policies into the regional economy, the labour market, education and training systems and the individual life projects of young people, with focus on those in situations of near social exclusion.

This book explores European governance and policy coordination within lifelong learning markets. Using an instruments approach, the editors and contributors examine the ways in which governance mechanisms employed by the European Union influence policy to regulate lifelong learning, and intervene in lifelong learning markets, at both European and national levels. Filling an important gap in the current literature, this book examines how strengthened policy coordination at the EU level contributed to the blurring of boundaries between policy fields and the redefinition of the function of adult education after the 2008 recession. Divided into three parts, this book draws on a range of case studies from countries including Spain, Denmark, Bulgaria and the UK. It will be of interest and value to students and scholars of education policy and governance, adult education and lifelong learning.

Education for Life: A European Strategy critiques the educational system in European countries and offers suggestions for its improvement as well as solutions for its problems. The book is divided into six parts. Part I deals with topics such as the revitalization of education; the cooperation of industry and education; and the training of some companies. Part II is concerned with the present trends, major issues, the thrust of positive action, and industry involvement in the education of the youth. Part III talks about the higher education in Europe, its comparison with other educational systems, and proposals of action for its problems. Part IV covers vocational education; the new technologies and occupations it offers; and the businesses involved in training and education. Part V tackles management education; management development practices; and the European management model, while Part VI discusses lifelong learning and adult education; the restructuring of industry and work; open learning; and the obstacles to progress in adult education. The text is recommended for those in the education department, especially those in European countries, who are making studies on education and the approaches to its problems.