The results of the evaluation were supported by stakeholder consultations which included, among others, public consultations, users and stakeholder surveys, qualitative observations as well as stakeholder interviews. This consultation verified that Europass is a useful one-stop shop that combines qualifications, labour mobility tools, and skills. In fact, Europass is successful in promoting a standard framework for the transparency and comprehension of qualifications and skills within the EU. Key findings show that Europass is most popular with young users in the early stages of their career. 

Europass has proven to be effective in facilitating mobility for work and study in the EU, as a solution to present knowledge, skills, and competences in a standardised format. This is because Europass offers tools, services, and information especially relevant to those seeking job and learning opportunities across borders. In this context, further connections with EURES, the European cooperation network of Employment Services, could strengthen the impact of both platforms. Moreover, synergies with other EU platforms are seen as advantageous. 

The European Digital Credentials for Learning are seen as highly relevant to ensure interoperability and to support Member States in their digital transformation of credentials. Further development in data analysis and AI could support the provision of more tailored services to Europass users and unlock the initiative’s potential to address skills shortages. 

Evaluation of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF): a reference point for understanding qualifications 

The evaluation of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), supported by a public consultation with stakeholders and users, concludes that the EQF has firmly established itself as a reference point to better understand qualifications across Europe, especially from the formal education/training domain. This success is well reflected in the very large extent of implementation of the EQF – not only have the vast majority of EQF countries (36 out of 38) referenced their national frameworks to the EQF, but improvement is also seen in the availability of information and use of learning outcomes, among others. 

Benefits are visible also beyond the improved transparency of qualifications – the EQF also has a global reach, being perceived as a source of inspiration for qualifications frameworks across the globe, and serves as a backbone of many EU and national policies and instruments for transparency of skills and qualifications, given its comprehensive nature. It Is clear from the evaluation that the existing EQF structures and processes are to be maintained – ensuring trust among countries requires continuous updates and improvements in a changing landscape of qualifications. The EQF has more to achieve, also by helping bridge the gap between formal and non-formal learning – an important factor given the urgent need to address existing skills shortages and enable upskilling and reskilling, highlighted in the European Year of Skills. 

Related documents

The Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the evaluation of the implementation and impact of the Europass Decision (EU)2018/646 (COM/2024/135) is available in 24 languages and the accompanying Commission Staff working document (SWD(2024)71) in English only.

The Commission Staff working document on the evaluation of the 2017 Council Recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework (SWD/2024/141) is available in English only and the Executive Summary (SWD/2024/142) in English, French and German.