Lifelong learning is increasingly taking a prominent role in the education and training policies in EU. Making lifelong learning a reality for all and reaching at least 15% of adults participating in lifelong learning activities are two of the main objectives of the European strategy Education and Training 2020. However, the fact that low-skilled adults have the lowest level of engagement in educational activities remains a concern in the EU education policies.

With its strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, ET2020, the European Union supported the concept of lifelong learning by coordinating cooperation between Member States on training and formal, non-formal, and informal education.