An agreement on the renewal of the Europass framework was reached in Strasbourg yesterday that leads to the development of a new web platform to consolidate EU web resources and information related to skills and qualifications. The new Europass platform will be a one-stop shop for convenient drafting of CVs, self-evaluation of skills, using an e-portfolio for storing certificates of competency, accessing various job offer portals, and gaining information on training and learning opportunities in Europe.
After six months of intense talks with the Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission, the Estonian presidency secured the long-awaited agreement. “Even though all parties were interested in coming to an agreement within a reasonable time frame, the negotiations took longer than expected. All parties agreed on the broader objective of the proposal but the initial contents of the draft instrument were not in line with the countries’ interests and expectations. We are very happy about the outcome as a lot of people had to put in a real effort to achieve this,” said Educational Adviser Ülle Kurvits - one of the chief negotiators for Europass framework.
The intention is to supply the users of the new portal with modern e-tools to document and present their skills and qualifications as well as educational and professional experience. This should simplify educational and professional mobility across Europe. As a result of this process, the European Parliament agreed to accept most of the amendments proposed by the Member States, thereby ensuring that they can be closely involved in the making of decisions about the development and implementation of the Europass platform. The European Commission can start developing the Europass platform in the beginning of 2018 already.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Yesterday’s agreement marks the final phase of the negotiation process that has lasted for about a year.
- The European Commission submitted the initial draft proposal in October 2016 on the basis of proposals concerning the New Skills Agenda for Europe.
- Previously, Europass covered only a set of documents, including the electronic form for Europass CV, language passport, mobility certificate, and annexes to diplomas and professional certificates. For instance, approx. 300,000 Europass CVs have been drawn up in Estonia during the eight years that Europass has been in use.
- The European Commission suggested that Europass should be modernised by notably expanding the range of services and developing a pan-European platform for e-services. In addition to the convenient drafting of electronic CVs, the new package should make available, for example, the following services: self-evaluation of skills, using a pan-European e-portfolio for storing certificates of competency, accessing various job offer portals, and gaining information on training and learning opportunities in Europe.