EUCEN, Belgium

EUCEN, the European university continuing education network, is an international non-governmental non-for-profit association founded in 1991 and registered under Belgian law in 1994. It currently has 169 members in 36 different countries, mainly universities actively committed and involved in the development of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL). It includes 17 European National/Regional Networks for ULLL and 8 associations concerned with the education of adults. EUCEN is the founding association of the LLL Platform.

The main aims and objectives of EUCEN are:

  • To contribute to the economic and cultural life of Europe through the promotion and improvement of the quality of LLL within HEIs
  • To foster university’s influence on LLL knowledge and policies throughout Europe – EUCEN represents a very rich source of expertise in the field of ULLL, university management, and innovation

EUCEN shall have, amongst its functions, the following:

  • To provide a forum for the development, interchange, and dissemination of innovation and good practices on LLL within European HE
  • To encourage high standards in all areas of LLL and to harmonise levels of quality for LLL amongst its members
  • To represent the interests of the LLL community within HE and to European policymakers
  • To facilitate communication, liaison, and collaboration with other appropriate bodies and organisations
  • To promote and conduct research into LLL and to disseminate the results of this research

The main activities of EUCEN are:

  • To coordinate events focused on the area of LLL. Normally three events per year:
    • Annual conference
    • Autumn seminar
    • Policy Talks
  • To develop LLL policies and practices
  • To develop and coordinate EU-funded projects
  • To facilitate and encourage networking
  • To coordinate conferences and events focused on the area of LLL

Validation has been an important theme of EUCEN’s work since 2000, alongside a continuing commitment to improving access and achievement in HE for disadvantaged groups and ‘non-traditional’ learners.

Click here to Access the EUCEN platform