EU-Dossiers

• European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF)
• Vocational Education and Training
• European Credit Point System for Vocational Education (ECVET)
• Education for Sustainable Development
• European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
• Adult Education
• European Institute of Technology
• Efficiency and Equity
• EU Language Policy
• European Charter for Mobility
• Contact

European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF)

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) aims at facilitating the comparison and transfer of learning outcomes and qualifications between the Member States. It will act as a translation device and increase the transparency of degrees by assigning national qualifications to the eight European reference levels. The EQF will thus also support mobility and foster life-long learning.

Proposal for a Recommendation EQF (pdf, 415 KB)

  

Vocational Education and Training

In November 2006, the European Ministers of Education agreed on the priorities for strengthening European cooperation in vocational education and training. Concrete political steps were agreed upon in the Helsinki Communiqué. The measures will focus on improving transparency and recognition of qualifications and degrees in vocational education and training.

Council Conclusions VET (pdf, 583 KB)
Helsinki Communiqué (pdf, 814 KB)

  

European Credit Point System for Vocational Education (ECVET)

The goal of the European Credit System is to facilitate the transfer, accumulation and recognition of learning outcomes of individuals in Europe. The ongoing consultation process involves policy-makers, the social partners, stakeholders and experts in qualifications systems and
vocational education and training in Europe.

ECVET Consultation Document (pdf, 823 KB)

  

Education for Sustainable Development

During the Austrian presidency the European Council adopted the Renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy. In this document the importance of education as prerequisite for sustainable development is highlighted.
Education for Sustainable Development will be an important priority of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.

EU Sustainable Development Strategy (pdf, 680 KB)
EU-conference “Education for Sustainable Development towards Responsible Global Citizenship“ (results of the debate on education for sustainable development at the Council of the Education Ministers in May 2006)
ESD Conference results (pdf, 38 KB)

  

European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

The Council and the European Parliament have declared the year 2008 the “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue”. The European year aims at raising the awareness of citizens living in the EU for the important contribution of cultural diversity to creativity and innovation, economic development as well as equality and social cohesion in European societies. Ongoing activities for promoting the dialogue between citizens of different cultures will be highlighted and new initiatives encouraged.

Decision European Year of intercultural Dialogue 2008 (pdf, 179 KB)

  

Adult Education

In October 2006, the European Commission presented the communication “It’s never too late to learn”. The communication highlights the importance of adult education as vital component of lifelong learning. Adult education contributes to the acquisition and further development of key competences, to employability and mobility in a modern labour market as well as to social inclusion.

Communication Adult Education (pdf, 555 KB)

  

European Institute of Technology

The European Institute of Technology (EIT) will contribute to strengthen the knowledge triangle education – research – innovation in Europe. The partnership of excellent institutions aims at providing an attractive environment for the best talents worldwide and at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

Proposal Regulation on EIT (pdf, 1 MB)

Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/eit/index_en.html

  

Efficiency and Equity

In November 2006 the Council adopted conclusions on efficiency and equity in education and training. The development of efficient and equitable high quality education and training systems contributes significantly towards reducing the risks of unemployment, social exclusion and wasted human potential in a modern knowledge-based economy.

Council Conclusions Efficiency and Equity (pdf, 390 KB)

Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/2010/back_gen_en.html

  

EU Language Policy

Multilingualism and the European Indicator of Language Competence

Foreign language skills are essential for promoting mobility and enhancing competitiveness as well as for intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and understanding.

Communication of the Commission on Multilingualism (pdf, 2 MB)

In May 2006 the ministers of education adopted the Council conclusions on the European Indicator for Language Competence. The Indicator for Language Competence will provide Member States, policy makers, teachers and practitioners with reliable and comparable data on foreign language competence in the European Union. The survey will provide knowledge about the multilingual capacities of young people, on where good practice and performance can be found, and on progress towards the objective of improving foreign language learning.

Council Conclusions on European Indicator for Language Competence (pdf, 246 KB)

Key Competences for Lifelong Learning

The Recommendation on Key Competences adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in December 2006 identifies eight key competences that every citizen should acquire through initial education and maintain or further develop through lifelong learning. These eight key competences contribute significantly to the citizens’ personal development and their social and professional integration in a knowledge-based society.

• Communication in the mother tongue
• Communication in foreign languages
• Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology
• Digital competence
• Learning to learn
• Social and civic competences
• Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship
• Cultural awareness and expression.

Recommendation on Key Competences (pdf, 555 KB)

  

European Charter for Mobility

The recommendation of the Council and the European Parliament on the European Charter for Mobility provides a frame of reference and covers all types of educational mobility: formal and non-formal learning, short-term and long-term mobility, learning at schools, universities, on the job; mobility for the young and for adult learners, etc.
The Charter for Mobility contains ten guidelines which are mainly addressed to the responsible sending and receiving organisations and designed to maximise the benefits derived by European citizens from studying or working abroad.

Recommendation on European Charter for Mobility (pdf, 290 KB)

  

Contact

Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture
EU-Coordination
eu-koordination@bmukk.gv.at

Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU
http://www.bmeia.gv.at/bruesselov

Dr. Sabine Neyer
Science and Research Attaché
sabine.neyer@bmeia.gv.at

Geändert am 14.07.2009