Lifelong Learning

The key competences are a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge is composed of the concepts, facts and figures, ideas and theories which
are already established, and support the understanding of a certain area or subject.

SKILLS: Skills are defined as the ability to carry out processes and use the existing knowledge
to achieve results.

ATTITUDES: Attitudes describe the disposition and mindset to act or react to ideas,
persons or situations.

The key competences are developed throughout life, through formal, non-formal and informal learning in different environments, including family, school, workplace, neighbourhood and other communities. All key competences are considered equally important and aspects essential to one domain will support competence development in another. For example, skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, team work, communication, creativity, negotiation, analytical and intercultural skills are embedded throughout the key competences.

These are the eight key competences:

1. Literacy competence

2. Multilingual competence

3. Mathematical competence and competence in science, technology and engineering

4. Digital competence

5. Personal, social and learning to learn competence

6. Citizenship competence

7. Entrepreneurship competence

8. Cultural awareness and expression competence

SOURCE: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission (2019): Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. EU Publications. DOI: 10.2766/569540. Available at: https://op.europa.eu/s/tcqQ