eucen has published its 11th position paper, “Governance of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) in Europe: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Inclusive and Sustainable Lifelong Learning.” The paper calls for urgent governance reform to enable universities to fully deliver on their lifelong learning mission.

University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) is central to Europe’s response to the green and digital transitions, demographic change, and the need for more inclusive and resilient societies. Universities are increasingly expected to support learners across the life course, contribute to upskilling and reskilling, and play a key role in regional innovation ecosystems.

However, despite strong policy recognition, ULLL remains unevenly embedded within higher education systems. In many institutions, it is still organised at the margins—often confined to continuing education units rather than integrated into core academic missions.

Drawing on evidence from the SAMUELE project, the position paper highlights a critical issue: the main barrier to advancing ULLL is not pedagogy, but governance.

Addressing the Governance Gap

Across Europe, there is a clear disconnect between ambition and implementation. Many countries lack dedicated national strategies, funding remains fragmented, and institutions are frequently expected to deliver lifelong learning on a self-sustaining basis. Within universities, responsibilities are often unclear, and leadership support does not always translate into structural investment.

This “governance gap” leaves ULLL vulnerable—dependent on short-term projects, unstable funding, and individual initiative.

From Innovation to Institutionalisation

While many universities are experimenting with innovative governance models—such as hybrid structures, dedicated lifelong learning centres, and external partnerships—these approaches often remain fragile and under-recognised.

eucen argues that ULLL must move from experimentation to institutionalisation, supported by formal structures and long-term strategies.

Key Principles for Effective Governance

The position paper outlines six principles for effective ULLL governance. It should be:

• Strategic

• Institutionalised

• Sustainably funded

• Inclusive

• Networked

• Recognised

These principles provide a framework for embedding lifelong learning into the core mission of universities.

A Call to Action

eucen calls on European institutions, national governments, and university leadership to take coordinated action:

• At European level: move beyond pilot projects and support structural capacity-building

• At national level: develop coherent strategies, stable funding, and integrated quality frameworks

• At institutional level: embed ULLL in governance structures, academic careers, and long-term planning

A Defining Moment for European Universities

The transition towards truly lifelong learning universities is not simply an organisational adjustment—it is a strategic transformation. Without governance reform, Europe risks widening inequalities in access to learning and weakening its capacity to respond to major societal challenges.

ULLL is not a peripheral activity. It is a core mission for the future of European higher education.

You can download the full paper from the Shaping Policy section of this website.
You will find it under Position Papers.