Having regard to demographic change in the European Union, the importance of adult education will continue to increase. This was pointed out today in Strasbourg by Doris Pack MEP, Rapporteur of the action programme on 'Lifelong Learning'.

"Economic and social change in the European Union requires the constant development of qualifications and skills in professional life. Therefore ensuring employability through lifelong learning and improving people's motivation to participate in adult education must be made a particular priority."

The plenary of the European Parliament approved the initiative report on lifelong learning by a large majority. "The European Parliament thus acknowledges the fact that education is an important factor also for personal development, social integration and cross-cultural dialogue", Doris Pack stated. In addition, lifelong learning bears positive non-economic effects.

Further important elements of the programmes for lifelong learning are better for work-life balance as well as between cultures and generations. There is for instance a substantial need for action also regarding working times, flexible time accounts or the transfer of knowledge and skills: "The special needs of migrants must particularly be taken into account in this overall action plan. Learning the language of the host country is of particular importance to migrants, whereas all other citizens should get the chance to learn the language of a neighbouring country and at least one international lingua franca."

Furthermore, Doris Pack was in favour of facilitating admission to universities for adults with practical work experience. Besides, the extension of the European quality framework and the Europass will lead to easier recognition of learning successes and more transition between different learning paths. With regard to funding of such measures, Member States have a special obligation to make use of new possibilities such as tax relief, free allowances and the co-financing by the economy in addition to Structural and Social Funds. Moreover, the comparability of the result of adult education must be guaranteed. "Reliable data is the basis for political decisions, also regarding new funding models. Therefore, the quality of public data must be further improved", the Rapporteur concluded.