Leading themes have the character of recommendations to providers of LLW events. Traditionally, they have been related to the respective European and/or International year. However, in 2017 a European Year has not been declared. Instead, seven joint actions dictate leading themes of LLW 2017 events:

• The Power and Joy of Learning (15 May)
• Celebration of 30th Anniversary of Erasmus+ (16 May)
• Learning Parade - Days of Learning Communities (17 May)
• Learning and Culture Hand in Hand (18 May)
• The Day of the Elderly - Fit, Healthy, Informed and Active (19 May)
• We Like Handwriting (22 May)
• From Learning to Health (23 May)

The LLW is linked to the 2017: The Year of Adult Education in Europe campaign under the slogan The Power and Joy of Learning. The campaign has been intiated by the European Association for the Education of Adults - EAEA).

Important notice: The annual topic of the European (or International) year or oa joint action is by no means the obligatory LLW theme. When designing their events, LLW providers are free to choose their own theme(s) with regard to their living and working conditions.

***

Overview of the European / International years with regard to LLW: 

2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage
2017 No European Year.
2016 No European Year.
2015 European year for development >>
2014 No European Year; Learning for life was the leading theme of LLW
2013 European year of citizens >>
2012 European year of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity >>
2011 European year of volunteering >>
2010 European year for combating poverty and social exclusion >>
2009 European year of creativity and innovation >>
2008 European year of intercultural dialogue >>
2007 European year of equal opportunities for all >>
2006 European year of mobility
2005 European year of active citizenship
2004 European year of sports
2003 European year of the disabled 
2002 International year of mountains
2001 European year of languages
2000 ø
1999 International year of the elderly
1998 ø
1997 ø
1996 European year of lifelong learning