Cedefop has officially launched its new EU reference framework for lifelong guidance at a two-day policy forum in Thessaloniki on 12 and 13 May 2026, marking a key milestone in European efforts to make quality guidance accessible across every stage of learning and working life.
Our economies are changing fast, driven by digital and green transitions, demographic shifts and labour markets that demand continuous adaptation. Working lives are longer, transitions more frequent and the picture more complex than ever before. In this context, lifelong guidance is no longer optional. It is essential. Cedefop's new EU reference framework gives Europe a shared reference point to make it a cornerstone of skills and learning policy for everyone.
Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director, Cedefop
A wide-ranging conversation across Europe
The forum drew a wide range of voices, from national policymakers and international organisations to frontline practitioners and social partners. Participants actively shared ideas about how to put the framework to work, illustrating both similarities and areas to tackle across countries, regions and service contexts. The event closed with a round table on how policies can better connect learning, work and well-being, with contributions from European social partners, public employment services and lifelong learning stakeholders.
Around 40,000 workers every day in twenty-seven Member States lose their jobs. More than half of them are without any support or guidance on what to do next. We need stronger coordination. The new lifelong guidance framework is therefore very welcome.
Tatjana Babrauskiene, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
A practical reference for guidance systems
The new framework brings together 18 guidelines covering the full spectrum of lifelong guidance, from career management skills and universal access to quality assurance, digitalisation and social inclusion. Sitting at the heart of broader EU policy priorities, including the Union of Skills, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Herning Declaration for VET, the framework is designed to be adaptable and provides a common vocabulary and shared expectations on the outcomes of lifelong guidance, supporting cooperation across sectors and borders. Countries can use it as a practical reference point to assess and strengthen their guidance systems at every level.
I have already been able to use this framework in my work in the European Parliament, particularly for my Youth Guarantee report. It serves as a common point of reference, enabling everyone to analyse the current situation, identify gaps and propose solutions. With its launch, the real work begins on the ground.
Hristo Petrov, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair, Committee on Culture and Education
Key messages from the forum
Across two days of sessions and exchanges, several clear priorities emerged:
Lifelong guidance must be recognised as a strategic policy priority and invested in accordingly.
Universal access remains the central challenge. Guidance must actively reach those who need it most.
Cross-sector coordination is essential, bringing together education, employment, youth and social services around a shared goal.
The use of AI in guidance services is growing. Human interaction remains essential.
The framework's value lies in providing a common language so that people can access coherent guidance wherever they enter the system.
The work continues
Building on years of research and collaboration, the framework marks a structural shift, placing lifelong guidance at the centre of policy. Cedefop will continue to support its uptake through research, peer learning and engagement with guidance networks.
