The European elections are coming up (9 June). No, please, stay – keep reading! 

Maybe you are already planning to vote, have registered and informed yourselves. Maybe you are uncertain: What use is it to take part in the elections? Maybe you don’t care? 

Whichever your position may be, I am trying to present to you the case for voting from an adult educator’s point of view. I will use my personal experience in my arguments, as EAEA has been working with MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) for a long time.

FAQs on Voting in the European Elections

Will you tell us who to vote for?

No. Well, maybe to some extent. I can only recommend taking a closer look at what the person or party you are planning to vote for stands for.

Ok, so why should I vote in the European elections?

The European Parliament represents the people in Europe. Their decisions are informed by the concerns of their voters, making your vote crucial in shaping policies that affect you.

But there is subsidiarity, i.e. it is not the EU level that decides education, training and lifelong learning. So how important are the elections for adult education?

While education policies are soft law, the EU Parliament still influences them, with recommendations having an impact across member states. The upcoming elections are crucial for shaping future programmes and funding in education and training, like:

• the European Agenda for Adult Learning: This framework outlines the EU's priorities and actions in the field of adult learning, focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of adult education.
• the Erasmus+ Programme: E+ is also a huge supporter of adult learning, through individual learning mobilities and projects.
• the European Qualifications Framework: The EQF provides a common reference framework to link different national qualification systems, including those achieved through adult education. 
• the European Skills Agenda: This initiative aims to ensure that people develop their skills for the job market, e.g. through adult learning.
• or the European Social Fund: The ESF invests in enhancing the skills and employability of adults.
• …and many, many more.

Why MEPs Matter for Adult Learning and Education

But do the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) really represent the people in Europe?

Many MEPs engage with citizens and stakeholders, seeking diverse perspectives on issues like adult learning and education. Their decisions play a significant role in shaping EU policies.

How does that work concretely?

Well, within the European Parliament, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are often grouped into committees and interest groups, each focusing on specific policy areas, including education and lifelong learning. These MEPs continuously engage in learning about adult learning and education (ALE) through committees and interest groups and there, learn about the challenges and opportunities facing adult learners and educators across Europe.

And by scrutinizing proposals from the European Commission, amending and negotiating legislative documents – that impact adult learning and education – they actively contribute to shaping legislative proposals and initiatives that impact ALE at the European level. 

Your vote helps elect MEPs who will advocate for these issues.

So when you cast your vote in the European elections, you have the opportunity to elect MEPs who prioritize and advocate for these issues, ensuring that adult learning and education remain prominent topics in policy debates and decision-making processes within the European Parliament. 

Your Vote Counts!

The upcoming European elections offer a crucial opportunity to shape the future of adult learning and education in Europe. By voting for pro-European candidates, you can ensure that your voice is heard in Brussels. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to vote too. Let’s send brilliant MEPs to Brussels who will prioritize education and training. Together, we can make a difference!

If you want to promote the European Elections and the focus on adult learning and education, EAEA has prepared a number of tools that you are free to use. First, we have put together 10 recommendations on how candidates for the EU Parliament can support adult learning and education. They have been translated into different languages, and if you want, you can send them to candidates, their parties, etc. A number of our member organizations have already done that. We also have hashtags, badges, and other material which is free to use. 

You can also participate in our online Election Lab on ‘Countering disinformation in the media’ on 14th May from 15.00 – 16.30 CET.