TRAILS showcased at EARLALL’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Regions Forum

17/06/2026

On 11 June 2026, more than 100 representatives from European regions, institutions, education providers, practitioners and partner organisations gathered in Brussels to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL). Hosted at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, the event honoured a quarter century of regional cooperation while opening a forward-looking dialogue on the future of lifelong learning in Europe.

The afternoon’s “Lifelong Learning through the regions” exhibition showcased the diversity and strength of regional action across Europe. The stands presented innovative initiatives and European cooperation projects from across the network, highlighting how regions are actively shaping more inclusive, connected and future-oriented lifelong learning systems.

Within this context, the TRAILS project was featured alongside other innovative initiatives and European
cooperation projects from across the network, contributing to the broader discussion on skills development and lifelong learning. TRAILS drew attention for its focus on strengthening learning pathways and improving skills recognition across Europe. By supporting more flexible and accessible routes through education and training systems, the project aims to help individuals navigate increasingly complex learning and career transitions.

Alongside TRAILS, SkillsPulse was also presented as a complementary initiative focusing on strengthening skills intelligence across Europe. Through data-driven insights and enhanced cooperation between regions and stakeholders, SkillsPulse supports a better understanding of emerging skills needs and labour market trends, helping actors anticipate future demand and respond more effectively to structural change.

The exhibition also featured a wide range of regional initiatives. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Education presented its work on lifelong guidance through initiatives such as the European project Lifelong Guidance 5.0 – Upscaling Guidance Services in Europe, alongside the Baden-Württemberg State Network for Continuing Education Counselling and the up PAMINA vhs. The Basque Country shared experiences from its Department of Education and Vocational Training together with LCAMP, while the Tuscany Region highlighted the QUEEN and SALAM projects. Catalonia showcased regional initiatives connecting education, vocational training and employment services. Centre-Val de Loire presented innovative approaches to career discovery for students and young job seekers, featuring two interactive tools: Découvre N’Go, an educational game enabling participants to explore professions through challenges, discussions and real-life situations, and O’dyssée, an immersive online experience introducing young people to the world of work through missions and encounters with professionals while developing key transferable skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork. Other stands highlighted the work of GO! and Crescendo CVO Mechelen, as well as EARLALL’s own 25-year journey in promoting regional cooperation in lifelong learning.

By participating in EARLALL’s 25th anniversary celebrations, TRAILS engaged with a wide audience of regional and local authorities committed to strengthening lifelong learning systems. The event underlined the importance of collaborative, innovation-driven approaches to skills development and reinforced the role of European cooperation in building more responsive and future-ready learning ecosystems.

Overall, the event provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on 25 years of regional cooperation in lifelong learning while reaffirming a shared commitment to addressing Europe’s future skills challenges. It highlighted the central role of regions in driving innovation, fostering inclusion, and shaping learning systems that are better aligned with the evolving needs of people, communities, and labour markets.