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EUROPEAN LIFELONG GUIDANCE POLICY NETWORK (ELGPN) aims to assist the European Union
Member States (and the neighbouring countries eligible for the Lifelong Learning Programme) and the Euro-
pean Commission in developing European co-operation on lifelong guidance in both the education and the
employment sectors. The purpose of the Network is to promote co-operation and systems development
at member-country level in implementing the priorities identified in EU 2020 strategies and EU Resolutions
on Lifelong Guidance (2004; 2008). The Network was established in 2007 by the member-states; the Com-
mission supports its activities under the Lifelong Learning Programme.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT is to communicate the outcomes of the European Lifelong Guidance
Policy Network (ELGPN) during 2011–12 to relevant policy-makers and stakeholders at both European
and national levels. Cover: Martti Minkkinen

The ELGPN represents a major development in support of national lifelong guidance policy develop-
ment in Europe. The ELGPN currently has 29 member countries (AT, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI,
FR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR, UK), with 2 additional
countries as observers (BE, BG). The participating countries designate their representatives in the Net-
work, and are encouraged to include both governmental and non-governmental representatives. As a
Member-State-driven network, it represents an innovative form of the Open Method of Co-ordination
within the European Union (EU).

The report describes the work undertaken by ELGPN during 2011–12, including evaluation of its impact
at member-country level. Members report that participation in the Network has enriched their aware-
ness of possible responses to common challenges and given them a fresh perspective and new insights EUROPEAN LIFELONG GUIDANCE POLICIES: PROGRESS REPORT 2011-12
into their national provision. A key strength of the Network has been the strong ownership of its activi-
ties expressed by the national delegations. The report also analyses relevant policy developments at EU
level, and outlines a vision for the future. In particular, it indicates the components of the Europe 2020
Strategy which are relevant to lifelong guidance, including its headline targets and flagship initiatives.

ISBN 978-951-39-4879-5 http://elgpn.eu