We are very pleased to announce that the first issue of the celebratory Volume 50 of the European Journal of Education (EJE) is now online. Issue 1, entitled What is Learning For?, will be free-to-download throughout 2015.

We are proud to be celebrating this significant milestone in the history of EJE, which has been marked by internal changes, as well as by many important and far-reaching developments, both in Europe and in other regions of the world.  Many exciting discussions and debates in the world of education over the past five decades have been fuelled by complex educational developments often in connection to economic, social, technological, political, and ecological developments.

This anniversary volume introduces an innovative new feature. In addition to the academic articles, there is a selection of "thought pieces".  We have asked five significant thinkers and actors in education to reflect on the question: "What is Learning For?" Their answers are thought provoking and stimulating. There will be similar short pieces in each of the four 50th anniversary issues.

The journal is edited by the European Institute of Education and Social Policy and published by Wiley.

This first issue is guest edited by Roberto Carneiro, Richard Desjardins, Jean Gordon and Janet Looney. 

Following this issue:

Issue 2: Learning to Be. Guest Editor: David Istance (online June 2015)

Issue 3: Education and Social Transformation. Guest Editor: Richard Desjardins (online September 2015)

Issue 4 explores the challenges of learning in a changing world. The second part of the issue will draw together key debates explored in Volume 50 looking forward to emerging challenges. Guest editors: Edith Hooge and Jean Gordon (online December 2015)

We hope you enjoy the articles and thought pieces and would be delighted to receive your feedback.

Best wishes

Richard Desjardins, Jean Gordon & Janet Looney

Joint Editors