A Blog by by Winnie-Karen Giera

ELINET experts participated in the European stakeholder workshop (6-7^th May, 2026) on the future EU Literacy Coalition, organised by the European Commission at the National Library in Warsaw on 6–7 May. ELINET was represented by Angela Colvert, Aoife Ahern, Tiziana Mascia, Juli-Anna Aerila, and Winnie-Karen Giera.

The workshop brought together literacy experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners — including reading promoters, librarians, educators, and writers — from across Europe to discuss how literacy can be strengthened as a foundation for participation, inclusion, democratic engagement, and lifelong learning.

The event provided an important opportunity for exchange and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing literacy across Europe. A strong emphasis was placed on European cooperation, sustainable networking, and the need to connect research, policy, and educational practice — all central priorities of ELINET’s work as a European literacy network, and in line with the vision of  ELINET – European Literacy Policy Network and its community of literacy experts who work to connect research, policy, and educational practice across Europe.

Key themes and outcomes of the workshop included:

• engaging discussions with international literacy experts
• interdisciplinaryperspectives on literacydevelopment
• collaborative thinking on future European initiatives
• strengthening connections across research, policy, and practice

The workshop also highlighted the important role that ELINET can continue to play in supporting the development of the future EU Literacy Coalition by contributing expertise, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and connecting literacy stakeholders across Europe. ELINET looks forward to continuing this exchange and contributing to future European initiatives that promote literacy for all.

#Literacy #ELINET #EuropeanCommission #Education #EducationalResearch #TeacherEducation #LifelongLearning #Networking #EU #Reading