Lifelong Learning (LLL) has been high on the policy agenda for several decades, but the actual implementation has been lagging. Various publications point at the advantages of a LLL ecosystem. This article highlights one core aspect of the LLL ecosystem – the actors. It aims to shed light on the multiplicity of stakeholders involved in LLL and their role in the ecosystem. The paper starts with a description of the historical developments regarding the objectives of LLL and the learning activities involved in LLL. Subsequently, it discusses the shift in the main actors involved in LLL and their role therein. The paper discusses developments in Europe in general and in the Netherlands in particular, based on an analysis of relevant literature and documents. The article concludes with some final remarks and recommendations for higher education institutes.