Marking the 10th anniversary of EPALE, an online discussion was held on 15 April 2025, bringing together users of EPALE such as ambassadors, policy-makers, educators, and stakeholders from across Europe. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the platform’s achievements, challenges, and future directions. 

The discussion was introduced by an online livestream discussion with two invited adult learning experts who had long history with the platform. Maria Toia – Senior Adult Education Expert and Former Thematic Coordinator; and Balázs Németh - Professor at the University of Pécs and EPALE Ambassador discussed with Tamás Harangozó – facilitator from the European Basic Skills Network. After the online stream, the discussion continued in a written format. Participants’ comments underscored EPALE’s role in building a European community of adult learning professionals and highlighted areas for further development.

Growth and Community Building

Many contributors emphasised the evolution of EPALE from an initiative into a dynamic, influential platform. Participants praised the diversity of resources, the variety of events, and the strong sense of community that has developed over the past decade. As one ambassador noted, "EPALE has evolved significantly – going through various content and digital transformations. It has become a dynamic, information-rich space where anyone involved in adult education can find something valuable."

Newer members of the community also expressed appreciation for the opportunities EPALE offers. One participant wrote, "As a newcomer, I’m quite curious to engage in some of the wide range of events mentioned – conferences, discussions, workshops. This sharing of best moments was really enlightening."

The role of EPALE in fostering both professional and personal growth was widely recognised throughout the event. Frequent references were made to conferences, webinars, workshops, and community stories as vehicles for knowledge exchange and professional development. Several contributors highlighted the sense of belonging that EPALE creates. As one participant summarised, "EPALE is more than a community, it's a laboratory of ideas, action, and impact."

Innovations and Initiatives

The forum also showcased several new initiatives linked to EPALE, including the ProfAdul platform developed by EBSN and SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning) to support the professional development of adult educators. Attention was drawn to recent thematic focuses, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education. Events like the Czech EPALE conference were cited as examples of how the platform addresses emerging trends in adult learning.

Several contributors noted that EPALE has become an important driver of innovation and policy in adult learning, by offering spaces for discussions on green and digital transitions and lifelong learning strategies.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While celebrating EPALE’s achievements, participants also identified areas for improvement. Suggestions included making the platform more user-friendly through personalised content recommendations and improved navigation. It was proposed that EPALE should offer better filtering options, tailored newsletters, and stronger networking features.

Some participants suggested rethinking certain features, such as the Community Stories section, proposing a more interconnected storytelling approach to enhance the platform's coherence. There were also calls for stronger links with Erasmus+ projects to better highlight ongoing European initiatives related to adult learning.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, participants emphasised the importance of EPALE continuing to promote inclusivity and expanding its outreach to non-traditional adult learning locations and professionals such as museums, libraries, and civil society organisations. The importance of intercultural dialogue was also highlighted, with several contributions noting the need for communities of practice that go beyond multicultural coexistence to foster meaningful interaction and exchange.

There was consensus on EPALE’s key role in supporting adult education professionals across Europe. Contributors stressed that EPALE should continue adapting to emerging educational needs, including further integration of digital tools and a focus on lifelong learning competences aligned with societal changes.

A committed community

The online discussion highlighted widespread appreciation for EPALE’s contributions to adult learning in Europe over the past decade. Participants valued the platform’s role in fostering professional growth, community building, and innovation. At the same time, critical reflections indicated a strong commitment to further enhancing EPALE’s relevance, usability, and impact. 

As one contributor concluded, "Happy anniversary, EPALE – and thank you for being such a valuable partner!"