Lifelong learning is a key concept for the development of adult education as an area of practice and theoretical consideration. In recent decades, meanwhile, the idea of lifelong education and learning has been central to the guidance of various international organizations of many countries. Currently, lifelong learning is widely accepted in terms of its benefits, thus the meanings it can contain are rarely questioned. This book proposes three models for analyzing public adult education policies: the democratic-emancipatory model, the modernization and state control model, and the human resources management model. The models guide a critical discussion on European Union policies for the adult education and training sector. This analysis also contains references to national adult education policies. The book further describes the proposals presented by UNESCO since the 1970s with respect to lifelong education and lifelong learning. The book will prompt the reader to question ways of looking at a priority issue in contemporary public policies. (Series: Study Guides in Adult Education)