In the context of demographic change throughout Europe and in view of the importance of learning in later life, EuBiA, a Grundtvig Learning Partnership, was established. Nine organisations from seven countries (AT, CZ, DE, IT, PL, SK, UK) discussed important issues and shared their experiences in the field of learning in later life.

All EuBiA partners are convinced of the benefits of networking. Therefore one of EuBiA's main aims was to establish a European network and to discuss relevant topics concerning networking and learning in later life. The results of discussions during the meetings on different aspects of networking – from advantages to risks – are listed. Each partner organisation presented an example of good practice to the EUBIA group. After discussing the team's criteria for good practice, all examples that had been presented were checked against the criteria that had been worked out.

Finally we concluded that our societies can reasonably anticipate a positive outcome as ageing societies literally become wiser and more mature, leading to valuable benefits. The EuBiA partners developed this Guide as the product of the partnership.