Summit approves strategy to free up labour markets

Citation

(2001), "Summit approves strategy to free up labour markets", Education + Training, Vol. 43 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2001.00443fab.013

Summit approves strategy to free up labour markets

Summit approves strategy to free up labour marketsKeywords: Skills, Expatriates, Qualifications

European leaders meeting in Stockholm approved plans to raise skill levels in Europe and make life easier for people wishing to work abroad. The leaders asked the Commission to present proposals next year for a more uniform, transparent and flexible regime for recognizing professional qualifications. The system will be based on the EU's existing general system for the mutual recognition of qualifications. The leaders also want improved recognition of skills acquired at work. This will build on initiatives taken within sectors or companies to support cross-border qualification schemes, and on examples such as the European Computer Driving Licence. The Commission has been asked to identify a small number of key areas for development in this field.

The leaders asked the Commission to prepare an action plan in time for the European Council in spring 2002 to ensure that lifelong learning becomes a reality for all citizens. In addition, the Commission will develop better ways of exchanging information on best practice in education and training. The leaders asked the Commission to set up a task force on skills and mobility. It will identify the main drivers and characteristics of the new European labour markets, paying particular attention to information and communication technology skills. The task force will identify the main barriers to the development of these European labour markets.

The task force will report, by next spring, on the policies needed to open European labour markets to all by 2005.