The European Commission urged to member states to recognise skills gained outside school and university by 2015. Furthermore, the proposal aims to increase job opportunities in particular for the young unemployed and those with few formal qualifications such as older and low-skilled workers. It also seeks to increase access to higher education, especially among mature students.

The recommendation published by the European Commission intends to encourages to member states to establish national systems for the validation of non-formal and informal learning by 2015. With this aim, it intends to recognise skills gained outside school and university by member states. Overall, the proposal's aim is to increase job opportunities in particular for the young unemployed and those with few formal qualifications such as older and low-skilled workers. It also seeks to increase access to higher education, especially among mature students. In February 2012, the Commission launched the implementation phase of the European Agenda for Adult Learning.

Today, only four Member States (France, Luxembourg, Finland and the Netherlands) have comprehensive systems in place for the validation of non-formal and informal learning. 'Non-formal learning' occurs in a formal learning environment and does not generally lead to a qualification or diploma. It typically involves courses, workshops, conferences or seminars. 'Informal learning' takes place in a variety of places, such as at home, work, in an association and through daily interaction between people; it includes language learning, cultural norms and manners.

The Commission's proposal was envisaged as part of the Europe 2020 initiatives "An Agenda for New Skills and Jobs" and "Youth on the Move". It complements the European Qualifications Framework which promotes validation of formal education. The Commission's proposal for the new Erasmus for All programme 2014-2020 foresees funding for all education sectors, including schools, adult learning, higher education, vocational education and training, as well as non-formal and informal learning.