European Basic Skills Network, EBSN

05/10/2026

Work, Learn, Evolve: Nordic Conference on Workplace Learning

On 20 October 2026, the Nordic conference “Work, Learn, Evolve” will bring together professionals working across adult education, research, policy and working life in Reykjavík, Iceland.

📆 20 October 2026, 09:00–16:00
📍 Reykjavík, Iceland
🔗 https://nll.org/events/work-learn-evolve-conference-on-workplace-learning/

01/10/2026

📝 Recent EBSN Contributions on EPALE: Learning, Inclusion and Emerging Technologies

Over recent months, EBSN has contributed a series of articles to EPALE exploring some of the key questions shaping adult learning and basic skills today - from the transformative potential of learning and the importance of inclusive local ecosystems to the changing role of technology in adult education.

🔗 Explore the EBSN contributions: https://basicskills.eu/recent-ebsn-contributions-on-epale-learning-inclusion-and-emerging-technologies/

28/09/2026

🎓 Upcoming Cedefop event: Microcredentials in action

How can microcredentials support adult upskilling and offer more flexible routes back into learning?

A new EPALE news article highlights Cedefop’s upcoming online event “Upskilling Europe: Microcredentials in action”, taking place on 29 September 2026, 10:00–11:30 CET.

The event will explore how microcredentials are being used in practice, with a focus on labour-market education and training, quality, recognition, progression and accessibility for disadvantaged learners and workers.

📄 Read the EPALE article: https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/content/upskilling-europe-cedefop-puts-microcredentials-practice

24/09/2026

📣 Help inform the evaluation of Individual Learning Accounts in Europe

An EU-wide survey is currently gathering the experiences of adult learners who have participated in, or are eligible for, Individual Learning Account-type schemes.

The short survey explores access to training, its relevance, barriers such as cost, time and care responsibilities, and the outcomes of participation.

The survey is available in multiple EU languages and closes on 26 September 2026.

EBSN encourages adult learners and our member organisations to participate and share the survey within their networks.

📝 Take the survey: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/44701eaf-e3d2-949f-e03e-5a27cb9139ff

24/07/2026

Don’t forget to apply for the LLLAwards 2026 by 31 August 2026!! 🏆

Remember, this year’s theme is and ! 🏅

But what do they mean?
👉Validation: An authorised process confirming specific learning outcomes standards, through: identification, documentation, assessment and certification.
👉Recognition: Can be formal recognition, which accredited bodies grant official status via qualifications like diplomas, or social recognition, where stakeholders acknowledge the value of a person's competencies.

Check all the information on LLLP’s website: https://lllplatform.eu/lllawards

Lifelong Learning Platform

17/07/2026

Applications for the LLLAwards 2026 are open until 31 August! 🏆

The Lifelong Learning Platform will award 4 initiatives on the topic of "Reimagining validation and recognition: giving value to all learners, learning, and competences" during the Lifelong Learning Week in November, 2026. 🎖

Check all the details here: https://lllplatform.eu/lllawards

03/07/2026

Daniela Ermini, EPALE - Educazione Adulti Italia, reflects on the key messages of the 2026 EBSN Annual Conference in Lisbon. 🇵🇹

The article highlights why basic skills matter not only for work, but also for everyday life, inclusion, dignity and democratic participation.

📃Read the reflection here:

Basic Skills Are Where Europe Becomes Real: Reflections from the 2026 EBSN Conference in Lisbon

30/06/2026

The 2026 EBSN Annual Conference in Lisbon 🇵🇹 was a great success, bringing together the European basic skills community for meaningful exchange, learning and cooperation.

You can revisit the event through the photo gallery and explore information about the speakers and programme on the conference website. 🖼️👥📃

Visit the conference page:

Annual Conference of the EBSN Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation View the program Join Europe’s leading conference on adult basic skills – connecting policy, research and practice across Europe. 17-19 June 2026 Lisbon, Portugal EBSN in cooperation...

24/06/2026

📢 OECD launch event: Low skills, high stakes
The OECD will launch its new PIAAC thematic report, Navigating life with low literacy and numeracy, on 1 July 2026, live from Latvia.

The event will explore why many adults with low literacy and numeracy are also those least likely to access learning opportunities — and what adult learning systems can do to respond more effectively.

For the EBSN community, this is a timely and important discussion. Adult basic skills are essential for participation in work, learning, digital life and society, yet too many adults remain underserved by current systems.

📅 Date: 1 July 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 CEST

🔗 Register here: https://meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d510oKvlR5mkDaq4QYh_WA #/registration

ℹ️ More information: https://www.izm.gov.lv/lv/oecd-launch-event-low-skills-high-stakes-new-insights-survey-adult-skills

English version Essential skills help shape opportunities in education, work and daily life. Yet too many adults struggle with low levels of literacy and numeracy. Why are those most in need of training least likely to access it? And how can education and training systems close these skills gaps? In...

04/06/2026

The registration deadline for the EBSN Annual Conference 2026 has been extended until 12 June 2026.

📍 Lisbon, Portugal
📅 17–19 June 2026
🧩 Theme: Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation

There is still time to register and join colleagues from across Europe for exchange, learning and cooperation on adult basic skills.

More information and registration:
https://conference.basicskills.eu/