On Tuesday 4 October, the European Commission presented its proposals to modernise the single European framework for the transparency of qualifications and skills (Europass). This reform is one of the sections in the European skills in Europe strategy adopted in June. Marianne Thyssen, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Workers' Mobility, stated: "The new Europass framework will give people the means to present their skills and qualifications in a relaxed way, as well as access to information services and assistance that will help them make informed choices regarding study and work throughout Europe".
Created in 2005, the Europass initiative provides a comprehensive toolbox and range of services that help to enhance transparency in the area of skills and qualifications throughout the European Union. It consists of five documents: the Europass Curriculum Vitae, Language Passport, Europass Mobility, the Certificate Supplement and the Diploma Supplement.
The revised framework (amendment to Decision to 241/2004/EC) introduces an improved online tool for devising CVs and highlighting skills, free self-assessment tools for evaluating skills, information focusing on apprenticeship opportunities throughout Europe, information and assistance to help individuals ensure recognition for their qualifications, as well as an older strategy on labour market skills requirements. It introduces a new function using mega data to analyse and anticipate labour market trends and skill requirements.
Since it was set up 11 years ago the Europass website has been used by 126 million visitors. More than 93 million document models have been downloaded from it and more than 60 million Europass-CVs have been created online. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)