Following the endorsement of the Spanish referencing report by the EQF Advisory Group in November 2024, all 27 EU countries have now successfully linked their national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) to the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). This milestone enhances transparency of qualifications and supports learners’ and workers’ mobility across all EU countries.
Established in 2008 and revised to reflect new trends and challenges in 2017, the EQF serves as a translation tool, making national qualifications more comparable and easier to understand. Fast forward to the end of 2024, with Spain as the final country to complete the process, the EQF is finally fully referenced across all EU member states, marking the culmination of a 15-year journey.
The EQF enables policy-makers, education experts, employers, workers, and citizens to better understand and compare European qualifications and qualification systems across different countries and education and training systems. Covering qualifications at all levels and systems, and rooted in a learning outcomes approach, the EQF facilitates cross-border mobility of learners and workers. Extending beyond EU borders, the EQF process involves a total of 41 participating countries; 37 have already linked their frameworks. The EQF Advisory Group, with Cedefop as an active member, drives this collaborative process.
EQF: a key tool for promoting transparency, comparability, and recognition of qualifications
As highlighted in the study analysing 20 years of cooperation on transparency, the EQF is a key tool for promoting transparency, comparability, and recognition of qualifications. By enhancing transparency and fostering lifelong learning and mobility throughout Europe, the EQF completion is an important development for current EU policy initiatives, such as the European Skills Portability Initiative and the action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages, both crucial for Europe’s competitiveness.
What does this mean for European learners, workers, employers, and youth?
- The EQF acts as a translation tool, making it easier to compare qualifications and their levels across countries. For example, Spanish qualifications can now be compared more easily with those awarded in other EU member states.
- There will be more mobility opportunities for European workers and learners.
- Newly issued Spanish qualifications (e.g. diplomas and certificates) can now display the relevant EQF level, making qualifications more transparent and easier to understand. This leads to more opportunities for: a) lifelong learning, as all qualifications will have broader recognition, and b) labour mobility, as authorities and employers across Europe will better understand the original qualification, its level, the associated learning outcomes, and the opportunities it can unlock.
Dynamic Qualification Frameworks for evolving needs
National education and training systems are continuously evolving to address the shifting demands of labour markets and societal needs. NQFs are living frameworks, as demonstrated by their ongoing development—such as the inclusion of new qualification types like microcredentials or qualifications awarded outside the formal education and training system—and the regular submission of updated referencing reports. These updates feed into the EQF process, providing an accurate and informed representation of qualifications systems and reinforcing trust in the European Qualifications Framework.
As the world of work and learning evolves, Cedefop will continue to work closely with the European Commission, Member States, and social partners to provide expert support for the implementation of the EQF and NQFs, as well as monitor and analyse NQF developments, which are accessible through the NQF online tool.