The European Qualifications Framework: a new way to understand qualifications across Europe

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"The European Qualifications Framework: a new way to understand qualifications across Europe

Reference: IP/06/1148 Date: 05/09/2006

Brussels, 5 September 2006
The European Qualifications Framework: a new way to understand qualifications across Europe
The Commission adopted today a proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). The EQF will provide a common language to describe qualifications which will help Member States, employers and individuals compare qualifications across the EU’s diverse education and training systems.

Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism, said: “People in Europe too often face obstacles when they try to move from one country to another to learn or work, or when they want to build upon previous education or training. The EQF will help to solve that problem: it will make different national qualifications more understandable across Europe, and so promote access to education and training. Once adopted, it will increase mobility for learning or working. We believe the EQF is a key initiative in creating more jobs and growth, helping people in Europe to face the challenges of a globalising, knowledge-based world economy.” "