A Comparative Study of the Lifelong Learning Approach and Implementation in Europe

The paper aims to compare and analyse different approaches and systems of lifelong learning in selected European countries. Findings reveal a tendency at European level to promote lifelong learning as a way to address the strong economic and social changes that affect labour markets. But beside this general consensus, the lifelong learning concept is approached and implemented differently from a country to another, according to the local and regional characteristics due to differences mainly in: demographics, the access to learning opportunities, the level of qualification of the human capital, the unemployment rate etc. The implementation of lifelong learning differs also, from a dual perspective where the duties are divided between the ministries of education and labour, to multiple perspectives in which many administrative authorities are involved.