Considerations on the implementation of the lifelong learning initiative in the european union

The development of human potential, through a formal or informal learning process is a necessity in a global world, characterized by a rapid exchange of information, technological development and the interdependence of world economies. The paper at hand aims to show the evolution of the lifelong learning initiatives from the crystallization of this concept in the 1920s until today, its implementation, especially at the level of the European Union and some actual issues of the implementation process. There is a close connection between social welfare and lifelong learning in our present society. In this context, the idea of lifelong learning has registered a spectacular evolution since its appearance. However, there are some problems in the implementation process of the lifelong initiatives because of the existence of the inequality of opportunity between well-educated and less advantaged persons and in the ongoing of the implementation process between developed and developing countries. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu