The European Commission organised a conference on 15-16 March in Brussels 2018 to celebrated 10 years of existence of the European Qualifications Framework. The event gathered more than 300 participants, including EfVET delegates.

The  “European Qualifications Framework: supporting learning, work and cross border mobility”  event looked back into the achievements of  a decade of cooperation on the EQF and what is more important, to look ahead towards the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The European Qualifications Framework main aim is to facilitate mobility of students and workers within the European Union in order to encourage development mobile & flexible workforce throughout Europe and to help develop lifelong learning. The celebration of the 10th anniversary was a milestone for the framework. EfVET is one of the organisation which has been supporting since the very beginning this initiative. The network  plays an important role at the EQF Advisory Group, which was set up by the Commission to support the implementation of the recommendation of the European Parliament and Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning in 2008.

The first day examined the main impacts and achievements of the EQF through thematic workshops. The second day the a policy debate on the role of the EQF in changing labour markets and education and training systems was opened.

The thematic workshops were structured around on the following topics:

• How has the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and its focus on learning outcomes, supported the modernisation of education and training systems?
• How has the EQF helped build trust and increase transparency and comparability of qualifications?
• How do qualifications frameworks facilitate validation of non-formal and informal learning?
• How can qualifications frameworks support the recognition of qualifications?
• What is the role of social partners and other stakeholders in the EQF process and what are their future expectations?
• How have the EQF and the development of qualifications frameworks supported international and global cooperation?

One of the key challenges to continue the implementation of the EQF recommendations is the involvement of the Member States (and other Erasmus+ countries), not only politically but as well financially. Another important point is to ensure the consistency between the different EU tools for transparency and skills and qualifications. In order to truly support the Lifelong Learning paths at least three pre-conditions are necessary: 1. Learner centered approach, 2. Involvement of all stakeholders beyond social partners and a 3. Common terminology

Let’s recall the relevant role that the EQF has for different initiatives, as Alison Crabb said “EQF is at the heart of many EC initiatives connected to skills, Upskilling and Europass modernisation”

Learn more about the European Qualifications Framework

Descriptors defining levels in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)