Even more worrying is the fact that, in 2006, Europe still has a high percentage of people with reading and writing difficulties.

However, there are positive aspects. Member States have taken joint decisions on a certain number of principles and terms of reference: learning validation, orientation, European framework for quality insurance in vocational training, etc… Other measures are being finalized such as the European Qualification Framework or the Recommendation on key competences. Europe has also decided to look into the very crucial issue of trainer professionalization.

As regards available financial means, the Commission warns that budgets will be but very slightly upgraded and that their allocation will be linked to new requirements (integrated programme, project valorisation, improved experience capitalisation). According to the Commission, many initiatives and partnerships are set up in the field of adult education, but competences are scattered and responsibilities dispersed, which harms their coherence and efficient financing.