Since the adoption of the 2020 Council Recommendation on VET and the Osnabrück Declaration, European countries have relaunched their commitment towards an ambitious mission: to create agile and flexible, excellent and inclusive, attractive and high-quality vocational education and training (VET) systems that meet the evolving needs of learners, societies and labour markets.
The latest policy brief Towards EU priorities in VET 2021–25 progress: Insights from monitoring and analysis jointly published by Cedefop and the European Training Foundation (ETF) tracks how far countries have progressed in turning these commitments into reality.
Based on over 500 national policy measures – drawn from national implementation plans (NIPs) – from EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, and five candidate countries (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Türkiye), this analysis provides the most comprehensive picture yet of how VET reforms are taking root across Europe. As implementation accelerates through 2023–25, the brief identifies key areas where national action is converging: modernisation of VET offer, digitalisation, inclusion, lifelong learning, and enhanced quality assurance.
Importantly, the publication features jointly the developments in both EU member states and the five candidate countries.
“In the Enlargement context, this shared exercise with EU Member States ensures ownership, peer learning and reform alignment that support both transformation and accession,” said ETF Director Pilvi Torsti.
From planning to implementation
Progress is visible. From expanding work-based learning to increasing lifelong learning opportunities, the report highlights how countries are investing in change. New legal frameworks, strategic plans and practical measures are helping countries shift from planning to delivery.
Yet challenges remain. Cross-border mobility, system-level monitoring, and the ‘green upskilling’ as part of VET teachers’ continuous professional development need stronger momentum. Moreover, while many initiatives benefit from EU funding, the sustainability of reforms beyond project cycles depends on national ownership and investment.
“Countries are moving from promise to progress,” said Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director of Cedefop. “But real impact will require ensuring continuity, addressing uneven implementation, and integrating lessons into future national and EU strategies.”
Beyond tracking reforms, the brief lays the groundwork for shaping the post-2025 EU VET strategy and the evolving Union of Skills agenda. It reinforces the importance of coordinated action, social partner engagement, and aligning education with fast-changing labour market needs.
Europe’s VET systems are transforming – becoming more flexible, digital, green and learner-centred. Reforms must now translate into lasting structures, opportunities and outcomes for all.
