Decision (EU) 2018/646 on a common framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass)

Further information:

The European Commission adopted on 4 October 2016 a proposal to revise the Europass Framework (Decision No 2241/2004/EC), in the context of its Skills Agenda for Europe.

The proposal seeks to modernise EU tools and services and to ensure that they reflect the changing needs of all potential users from the labour market and education and training sectors; are always updated to technological developments, new forms of sharing information and of the collaborative economy; and capable of supporting individuals in their multiple life-transitions of learning-work.

The Council of the European Union formally adopted the revised initiative on 12 April 2018.

Background:

Whether looking for employment opportunities, making decisions on what and where to learn or considering mobility options, individuals need access to information and means of assessing their skills and presenting what they know and are able to do. Equally, employers need to find more efficient and effective ways of identifying and recruiting appropriately skilled people. If the needs of individuals and employers in terms of skills and qualifications across sectors, regions and countries are to be addressed effectively, these needs must be clearly identified, communicated and understood.

EU tools and services can support the exchange of information and better understanding of skills and qualifications, including those needed for mobility and employability. The EU has sought to offer and support a range of such tools and services to facilitate mobility and encourage transparency of skills and qualifications. To date, however, these tools and services have not been exploited to their full potential for several reasons. They have largely been developed on a case-by-case basis, with a minimum of integration and collaboration. This approach has had impact on the reach, potential and perception of the added value of each tool.

Evidence shows that, despite some success stories such as the Europass CV, potential beneficiaries are generally scarcely aware of available services while barriers to the full use of qualifications and skills acquired abroad persist, with implications for mobility and the integration of European labour markets. In addition, the way EU tools and services have evolved over time has not necessarily followed the changes in the way people learn, work or communicate today and they are not responding to current or future demands and emerging technologies. Digitalisation and enhanced online presence are the minimum expected of tools for skills and qualifications today and even more so in the future.

• Primary Source

EUR-Lex: COM(2016)625: Proposal for a Decision on a common framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass) and repealing Decision No 2241/2004/EC http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2016:625:FIN

EUR-Lex: SWD(2016)320: Better EU tools and services for skills and qualifications (Europass) http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2016:320:FIN

European Commission: Statement by Commissioner Thyssen following the adoption of the revised Europass framework http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-18-3201_en.htm

Legislative Train: Revision of the Europass Framework http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-new-boost-for-jobs-growth-and-investment/file-europass

European Parliament: Legislative Observatory: Better services for skills and qualifications (Europass) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil-mobile/fiche-procedure/2016/0304(COD)

European Commission [Q&A]: The new Europass Framework http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-3212_en.htm

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