Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
E2: Environmental statistics and accounts; sustainable development
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
European Commission
Eurostat – Statistical Office of the European Union
L-2920 Luxembourg
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
27 March 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
26 May 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
15 April 2025
The indicator is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards SDG 4 on quality education, which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’ and ‘A new plan for Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness’.
SDG 4 seeks to ensure people have access to equitable and quality education through all stages of life, from early childhood education and care, through primary and secondary schooling, to technical, vocational training and tertiary education.
The Council of the European Union on 26 February 2021 adopted the Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021–2030), a framework that addresses five strategic priorities: (1) Improving quality, equity, inclusion and success for all in education and training; (2) Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all; (3) Enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession; (4) Reinforcing European higher education; and (5) Supporting green and digital transitions in and through education and training.
Adult learning covers the longest period in a person’s learning lifetime. It includes improving and developing skills, adapting to technological developments, advancing a person’s career or aiding their return to the labour market (upskilling and reskilling). Moreover, it is crucial for maintaining good health, remaining active in the community and being fully included in all aspects of society.
4.1. Data description
The indicator measures the share of people aged 25 to 64 who stated that they received formal or non-formal education and training in the four weeks preceding the survey (numerator). The denominator consists of the total population of the same age group, excluding those who did not answer the question 'participation in education and training'. Adult learning covers job-related and non-job-related formal and non-formal learning activities. It usually refers to learning activities after the end of initial education. Data stem from the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS).
4.2. Unit of measure
% of the population aged 25 to 64
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
ESS (EU-LFS)
4.5.2. Source data - Comment
Data source:European Statistical System (ESS); EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS)
Data provider: Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, based on data reported by the countries.
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every year
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
The indicator is updated annually in April. Complete and updated ESS data release information can be accessed via Eurostat release calendar.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
T+1 year
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within one year after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
All EU MS
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
All EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Data are comparable between all EU Member States respectively other presented countries.
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
> 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented times series start in 2000; EU aggregates are reported since 2002.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
3 to 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
Length of comparable time series without methodological break is 4 data points.
There are breaks in time series in several countries, mainly due to changes in the LFS questionnaire (improved implementation of the variables to measure participation in education and training).
7.1. Dissemination format - Publications
Analysis of indicator is presented in Eurostat's annual monitoring report on Sustainable development in the EU (progress towards the SDGs in an EU context).
trng_lfs_4w_esms - Participation in education and training (based on EU-LFS)
The indicator measures the share of people aged 25 to 64 who stated that they received formal or non-formal education and training in the four weeks preceding the survey (numerator). The denominator consists of the total population of the same age group, excluding those who did not answer the question 'participation in education and training'. Adult learning covers job-related and non-job-related formal and non-formal learning activities. It usually refers to learning activities after the end of initial education. Data stem from the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS).
15 April 2025
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
