Brussels, 04/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - During their meeting of the social dialogue committee, on 28 February in Brussels, the European social partners (ETUC for the trade unions, UNICE/UEAPME for the employers and CEEP for public enterprise) agreed on a framework action concerning the development of life-long learning and competence building, that will be submitted to the Social Summit in Barcelona. In their view, the development of life-long training presupposes the setting in place of four priorities: 1) identification and prediction of needs in skills and qualifications; 2) the recognition and validation of skills and qualifications; 3) information, accompanying and advisory measures; 4) and resources. These priorities must be implemented at national and/or sectoral level, and social partners must each year report on actions undertaken. In 2006, after four annual reports, they will present an annual report on assessment of the impact on companies and on workers and will possibly propose updating priorities identified. The social partners will present progress accomplished at the Spring Summits.