Sara Pasino
is an Italian journalist with a passion for written, multimedia and documentary storytelling. She holds an MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University and has contributed to a range of international outlets, including the BBC and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. Contact: sarapasino@gmail.com; @sarapasino.bsky.social
Democracy at the crossroads: dialogue or defence?
With polarisation on the rise, is meaningful dialogue across divides still possible? Political scientist Richard Gebhardt and psychologist Marina Weisband explore the issue from a German perspective.
Fostering civic engagement: Citizens Xelerator in Portugal
As Portugal faces declining support for adult education, initiatives like Citizens Xelerator are more crucial than ever. In Lisbon, women from the association Grandma Came to Work and Citizens Xelerator explored embroidery while developing civic skills and social connections.
Micro-credentials for megatrends: Nordic and German approaches
Amid European challenges, the Nordic countries and Germany are turning to adult education, short-term courses and micro-credentials for solutions. A closer look at the countries reveals differences and areas for improvement.
Lauri Tuomi of EAEA: “No adult learner in Europe should be left behind”
Lauri Tuomi, President of EAEA since June 2025, envisions a future where every adult learner can pursue lifelong learning. But how can this goal be achieved? And how can sustainable funding be secured?
A Faroe Islands project helps young adults build confidence in education
The Faroese project Serbreyt invests in the education of young people with special needs. The key is identifying the strengths of the learners and building on them.
Barros: “Poor working conditions in academia hinder the integration of research and policy”
Why does cooperation between researchers and policymakers remain at a standstill in Portugal? “Because of the lack of recognition and improvement in the working conditions of scientists,” replies Rosanna Barros of the University of Algarve. What solutions does Barros propose?
Research and practice: Equal collaboration can lead to relevant research
“A trusting, eye-to-eye dialogue is needed for fruitful collaboration between research and practice,” says Sonja Muders of the German Institute for Adult Education. Amid divergent languages and priorities, how can that be achieved?
Bridging the gap: How stakeholder cooperation can enhance lifelong learning
Conducted across 21 European countries, the RegALE survey highlights the urgent need for better cooperation among policymakers, practitioners and researchers to create a more inclusive and effective adult education system in Europe. Francesca Torlone of the University of Florence discusses the survey results, noting the fragmented state of adult education and proposing solutions.
What role can companies play in civic education?
As political trust wanes and populism rises, there are calls for Europe’s corporate sector to step up. The Civic Scouts at Work programme empowers employees to promote democracy through civic education in corporate training. Can corporate social responsibility help adult learners cope with policy changes in Europe?
Paolo Federighi on micro-credentials: Progress toward equality, but equity remains elusive
They provide affordable and flexible learning opportunities, but do they truly promote equity and inclusivity? “Not quite yet,” says Paolo Federighi, Honorary Professor of Adult Education at the University of Florence, in reference to the much-debated micro-credentials.
