The objectives of the EADL are to:

• promote learning, wherever and however it occurs;
• promote the use of all media to facilitate and enhance the learning process, and to increase its geographical and societal spread;
• improve the acceptance of distance learning to achieve parity of esteem with other forms of education:
• promote research into the methods of distance learning;
• promote open discussion of strategy in the business, marketing, and educational aspects of distance learning within an environment in which commercial sensitivities are respected;
• share ideas and good practice, and explore projects and partnerships, with trusted colleagues aware of each other's needs and aspirations;
• promote quality and professional and ethical standards in distance learning;
• gather and communicate information about new developments in distance learning;
• maintain contacts with and co-operate with the European Commission, national government agencies and non-governmental educational organisations and networks, and other bodies directly or indirectly interested in distance learning;
• promote and protect the interests of members and learners;
• promote the establishment of and co-operation with national councils and associations of distance learning providers, and develop strategic partnerships with them;
• do all other things incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects.