Mara Brugia is the Head of the Area “Enhanced Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training and Lifelong Learning” at Cedefop since 2004. The Area’s activities focus on (i) supporting the development and implementation of common European concepts, principles and tools (e.g. the European Qualifications Framework – EQF, the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training – ECVET and Europass), (ii) analysing the roles of qualifications in Europe and their influence on education and training reforms and (iii) coordinating the Study visits programme for education and vocational training specialists in the Lifelong Learning Programme.
She joined Cedefop in 1993 to manage a Europe-wide network of key players and decision-makers in the field of the professional development of VET teachers and trainers. She also coordinated a European network carrying out analysis of socio-economic trends in qualifications and set up a European Research Directory to promote cooperation between research institutions in vocational education and training at national and transnational levels.

Mara Brugia studied Economics at the University of Perugia, Italy and she holds a Master Degree in Economics, Politics and Law of the European Union.