SPACE - Seniors Perceive A Common Europe

Summary

The SPACE project distinguished itself through its innovative approach to empowering seniors as active European citizens. Grounded in the EU’s LifeComp framework, it fostered enthusiasm for Europe through intercultural exchange and co-created learning experiences.  

Participants developed key competences and a stronger sense of European identity. Its lasting results such as the multilingual digital platform and Digital Trails—remain valuable, transferable resources for adult education across Europe. 

“The SPACE project was a motivating experience for our students 65+ and they are proud of the digital exhibitions they created during the project. The project results are alive and actively used by the seniors themselves even after the project's end.” 

Topic(s) addressed 

• European identity
• Civic engagement
• Intercultural learning
• Inclusion of older learners
• Critical thinking
• Digital and social competences
• Cultural heritage
• Sustainability
• Democratic participation
• Co-creation and lifelong learning 

Target group(s)  

• More than 150 seniors aged 60+ from 5 countries
• Adult educators and institutions in adult learning 

Methodologies used 

The SPACE project took an innovative approach by applying the EU’s LifeComp framework to strengthen the key competences of seniors (60+) across five life-relevant themes. It addressed their underrepresentation in European programmes by offering blended empowerment courses and exchange formats that promoted critical thinking, cooperation, and well-being.  

Through co-creation and cultural reflection, the project helped reduce scepticism towards Europe and fostered a stronger European identity.  

A multilingual digital platform and 100 regional exhibits made seniors’ knowledge visible and transferable.  

By bridging formal and non-formal learning, the project promoted active participation and empowered older adults as engaged European citizens. 

Innovation environment 

The SPACE project created inclusive, innovation-driven learning environments for seniors by combining blended learning, non-formal education, and cross-sectoral cooperation. Learning took place in diverse settingsn - including adult education centres, cultural institutions, and local communities- supported by a strong network of associated partners.  

Activities connected cultural heritage with sustainability and everyday competences. Through the collaborative development of learning materials and digital resources, the project empowered both educators and learners.  

It fostered a positive, participatory learning climate in which older adults co-created content and became active agents of European citizenship and democratic values. 

Teachers’ role 

Adult educators played a central role in the SPACE project’s innovation. They co-designed learning frameworks, curricula, and assessment tools based on the LifeComp framework, adapting them for senior learners and ensuring their relevance across five countries.  

Through peer learning and collaboration, educators exchanged didactic strategies, promoted well-being, and supported participants in overcoming hesitations, particularly around using digital tools.  

The project strengthened educators’ skills in intergenerational and intercultural learning, while reinforcing their role as innovators and facilitators of European identity and lifelong learning. 

Impact and output 

The SPACE project empowered more than 150 seniors to develop digital, social, and intercultural skills while fostering a stronger sense of European identity. Participants co-created cultural exhibits and overcame scepticism about Europe through personal exchange and meaningful experiences, such as visiting the former Iron Curtain. Inspired by these encounters, some went on to launch initiatives in their own communities.  

Educators and institutions adapted the SPACE materials and expanded senior programmes as a result. The project’s digital platform and resources continue to support educators, stakeholders, and learners beyond the original partnership, generating wide-reaching spill-over effects across sectors. 

Learn more about the project