Welcome to the EBSN website

European Basic Skills Network

Who we are
EBSN is a European network bringing together policy makers and key stakeholders to strengthen adults’ basic skills across Europe.
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Our objective
To promote excellence in adult basic skills policy and implementation at European and national level, in a field with major implications for education, employment, social inclusion and active participation in society.
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Why it matters
Across Europe, many adults face barriers in work, learning and everyday life because they lack essential basic skills. EBSN supports stronger cooperation, knowledge exchange and policy development to help address this challenge.

About EBSN

Learn who we are, what we stand for, and how the Network supports cooperation on adult basic skills across Europe.

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Activities & Projects

Explore our policy work, partnerships and projects that connect evidence, practice and European cooperation.

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Membership

Find out how institutions can join EBSN, benefit from membership, and become part of a trusted European network.

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Our Members

Explore the latest activities

Highlighted News & Events

From consultation to advocacy: EBSN and EAEA policy package on adult learning

From consultation to advocacy: EBSN and EAEA policy package on adult learning

In March 2026, EBSN and the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) published a joint policy package responding to recent evidence on adult skills and participation in adult learning. The policy package, entitled “Beyond the Low-Skills Trap”, builds on consultation with EBSN and EAEA members and brings together policy reflections, member feedback and ...
EBSN Annual Conference and General Assembly 2026 to take place in Lisbon

EBSN Annual Conference and General Assembly 2026 to take place in Lisbon

The EBSN Annual Conference and General Assembly 2026 will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 17 to 19 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners and organisations working in the field of adult basic skills, lifelong learning and inclusion. This year’s conference theme is “Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of ...
From Innovation to Systemic Impact: What iRead4Skills Can Teach Us About AI and Adult Literacy in Europe

From Innovation to Systemic Impact: What iRead4Skills Can Teach Us About AI and Adult Literacy in Europe

Across Europe, the challenge of low basic skills remains structural. According to the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), roughly one in four adults in Europe — around 54 million people — struggle with literacy or numeracy skills. Participation in adult learning remains uneven across countries and often fails to reach those who ...
EBSN Contributes to EVTA Community MeetUp on Strengthening Basic Skills in VET

EBSN Contributes to EVTA Community MeetUp on Strengthening Basic Skills in VET

On 21 April 2026, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) contributed to the EVTA Community MeetUp “Strengthening Basic Skills in VET: Supporting Learners for the Future”, organised by the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA). The online session brought together European stakeholders to reflect on the growing importance of basic skills in vocational education ...
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Insights to everything we do

Explore EBSN

membership

Join a European network of institutions committed to strengthening adult basic skills policy and practice.

Annual Conference

Discover EBSN’s flagship annual event, bringing together policy makers, experts and practitioners from across Europe.

projects

Explore collaborative initiatives and European projects connecting policy, practice and shared learning.

European cooperation

Connecting institutions across countries and sectors.

”MEMBERSHIP”

Policy dialogue

Supporting informed exchange on adult basic skills.

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Peer exchange

Sharing experience, approaches and lessons learned.

Project collaboration

Creating opportunities for joint developments and initiatives.

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