EARLALL Launches the WISE Webinar Series on Holistic Support for Refugee Women

On 12 May 2026, EARLALL , as the communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the WISE project, hosted and coordinated the launch of the WISE Webinar Series, bringing together 32 participants from across Europe.

The webinar series is organised within the framework of the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project, funded under the ESF+ programme. The overall aim of the series is to present the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model, share case studies from implementation sites in Turin, Milan, Rome and Sofia, showcase experiences from the WISE project, and promote the replication of this integrated approach in different European contexts.

The series targets a broad audience including municipalities and regional authorities, NGOs working with migrants, social enterprises, employment and integration services, as well as women’s safe spaces and community centres.

First webinar: from concept to practice

The first webinar session on “Implementing the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) and ethnopsychology approaches in the integration of refugee women: from concept to practice”, introduced participants to the WISE project and explored how integrated and multi-dimensional services can support the socio-economic inclusion and wellbeing of refugee women.

Introducing the WISE project

Sara Bonfanti, Head of Programmes at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Italy and WISE project coordinator, opened the webinar with an introduction to the WISE project.

She presented the project framework under the Call for Proposal “Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine within EU countries”, funded by the European Social Fund Agency (ESF-A). The project runs from 10 April 2025 to 10 October 2026 and is implemented in Milan, Rome and Turin in Italy, and Sofia in Bulgaria, while dissemination activities are carried out across Europe.

She highlighted that the main objective of the WISE project is to improve the socio-economic inclusion of employable refugee women from Ukraine in Italy and Bulgaria. She also introduced the Holistic Support Centre model developed by IRC as a comprehensive initiative combining social inclusion, psychosocial support and employability pathways.

Establishing Holistic Support Centres

Maria Tchomarova, Mental Health Expert, Senior Psychologist and Psychoanalyst at Animus Association Foundation in Bulgaria, presented the key steps required to establish a Holistic Support Centre. Her intervention focused on the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation between cultural mediators, facilitators, case workers and psychologists in ensuring effective and trauma-informed support for refugee women.

Building safe and inclusive spaces in Rome

Daria Rostirolla from Laboratorio di Gruppoanalisi (LdG) in Rome, and collaborator with Centre Françoise Minkowska, delivered a presentation on creating safe spaces and inclusive environments within HSCs.

She shared the experience of implementing the Rome Centre and highlighted the essential role of cooperation with the Municipality of Rome. A formal agreement signed in September 2023 between Laboratorio di Gruppoanalisi and the II Municipality of Rome enabled the organisation to receive premises free of charge for both the Safe Space and the Clinical Centre.

The collaboration with the municipality created three concrete advantages:

• Public legitimacy for women uncertain about their entitlement to access services
• Strong anchoring within the city’s public social services infrastructure
• Bidirectional referrals between municipal services and the Centre

Ethnopsychiatry and culturally sensitive mental health support

Gineva Musella, Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Centro PENC – Anthropology and Geoclinical Psychology in Milan, explained how ethnopsychiatry combines psychology and anthropology in order to understand how culture shapes identity, emotions, relationships, meanings attributed to illness, and expectations around healing and care.

She underlined that this approach helps practitioners avoid reducing suffering solely to psychological or psychiatric categories, while also avoiding interpreting suffering only through the lens of culture.

The session concluded with final reflections and an engaging discussion among participants.

Continuing the WISE Webinar Series

The WISE Webinar Series explores practical and holistic approaches to supporting the socio-economic integration and wellbeing of refugee women across Europe. Through presentations from practitioners, psychologists, municipalities, and project partners, the sessions share experiences from the implementation of the Holistic Support Centre (HSC) model in Italy and Bulgaria. Participants gain insights into topics such as psychosocial support, ethnopsychology, skills profiling, labour market integration, community-based initiatives, and the replication of gender-sensitive support models in different local contexts. More information and registration here.

The fifth plenary meeting of the TRAILS Project took place on 8 May 2026 in Amsterdam, hosted by SkillLab. The meeting gathered project partners both onsite and online to review project progress, discuss upcoming deliverables, and coordinate the final phase of implementation.

As the project enters its final months, partners reflected on the achievements accomplished over the past three years and exchanged views on how TRAILS research results can be further translated into meaningful policy recommendations addressing skills mismatches and labour market transitions across Europe.

The meeting opened with a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress. Partners reviewed ongoing milestones, deliverables, dissemination activities, and preparations for the upcoming TRAILS conference, which will take place in Naples in September 2026.

One of the key highlights discussed was the implementation of the TRAILS surveys, which now cover 31 countries and provide extensive data on skills mismatches, literacy levels, labour market resilience, and training choices. Partners also shared updates on the second survey currently underway, focusing on dynamic skills measurement and policy-oriented conjoint experiments.

The consortium further explored ongoing experimental activities developed together with SkillLab and EARLALL regional partners in Sweden (City of Borås), Germany (Baden-Württemberg) and Italy (Tuscany Region). These experiments aim to analyse how documenting and showcasing individual skills portfolios can encourage participation in training opportunities and improve labour market mobility.

Discussions then focused on the relationship between educational mismatch, labour market outcomes, and the role of training in moderating these effects. Researchers presented ongoing work examining impacts on wages, job satisfaction, and job security across European labour markets.

Another important topic addressed during the meeting was the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Partners shared updates on innovative methodologies designed to improve the measurement of skills mismatches and support more efficient matching between workers’ skills and labour market needs.

Sessions dedicated to the growing importance of skills portfolios, labour market resilience, and inclusive skills policies. Discussions reinforced the need to adapt training systems to rapidly evolving skills demands and changing labour market structures.

EARLALL, as a leader, the dissemination and business planning, and for discussions on stakeholder engagement, communication activities, and policy outreach, supporting the project’s objective of strengthening the impact and visibility of TRAILS results across European regions.

The meeting concluded with discussions on next steps and preparations for the final project phase, including the upcoming conference in Naples, which will bring together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of skills intelligence and labour market transitions in Europe.

On 8 May 2025, WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) ESF+ project partners gathered online for the first Community of Practice meeting, bringing together project partners, facilitators, psychologists, counsellors, and participants involved in the implementation of the Women Rise activities.

The Community of Practice meetings aim to create a space for exchange and reflection on emerging challenges, lessons learned, and good practices identified throughout the implementation of project activities. Discussions focus on outreach strategies, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, skills assessment and interest profiling, integrated action plans, referrals, and cooperation with service providers.

The meeting was hosted by the coordinator of the project – International Rescue Committee (IRC) and included participants from Bulgaria, Italy, Ukraine, supported by simultaneous Ukrainian-English interpretation provided by Animus Association Foundation (AAF) to ensure inclusive participation.

A central part of the discussion focused on the Women Rise psychosocial support groups and the experiences of facilitators working with Ukrainian women displaced by war. Participants shared reflections on building trust and safe spaces, adapting methodologies to local contexts, and supporting women through resource-based and strengths-oriented approaches.

Feride, a psychotherapist facilitating Women Rise sessions, highlighted the importance of non-verbal and mindfulness-based activities in creating safety and connection within the group. Participants also discussed challenges linked to integration, motherhood, language barriers, and the emotional impact of displacement and war.

Experiences from Italy demonstrated how local adaptations, including language learning, psychodrama, and cultural mediation, helped create supportive and trusted environments for participants.

The meeting also addressed sensitive issues related to identity, nationality, and inclusion within multicultural group settings, underlining the importance of trauma-informed and inclusive facilitation approaches.

The first Community of Practice meeting provided an important opportunity for peer learning, reflection, and mutual support among project partners and practitioners. Partners were invited to continue sharing experiences and suggestions for future sessions as the WISE project further develops its community-based psychosocial support methodologies.

On 5–6 May 2025, EARLALL participated in the seventh SKYLA Interreg Europe Project event hosted in Athens, Greece, by the Regional Development Fund of Attica (RDFA). The two-day event gathered project partners and stakeholders onsite and online to exchange good practices, review policy developments, and co-design the final public seminar of the SKYLA project. Among the participants was EARLALL member, the Regional Government of Tuscany (Italy), involved in the project as an Associated Policy Authority.

The meeting was opened by Lorenzo Sabatini from Agency for the development of the Empolese Valdelsa (ASEV), who welcomed participants and introduced the programme of the study visit, expert presentations, and stakeholder discussions.

Good Practice: “From Lab to Market”

Antonios Livieratos, Academic Advisor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), presented the good practice “From Lab to Market”, developed through the ARCHIMEDES Technology Transfer Office and Business Accelerator.

The initiative focuses on supporting researchers and innovation professionals through a practical and transferable methodology based on the D-P-C model: Develop – Protect – Commercialise. The approach combines professional development workshops, case-study learning, intellectual property strategy development, and technology transfer processes. One of the key takeaways highlighted during the session was the creation of a shared language between researchers and technology transfer professionals. The model was presented as low-cost, adaptable, practical, and easily replicable in different regional contexts.

Supporting Skills Development in Attica

Aggelos Spiliotis, Head of Unit of Programming and Evaluation at the Managing Authority of the Regional Operational Programme of Attica, presented employee training initiatives implemented through the “ATTIKA” Regional Programme 2021–2027.

The programme aligns with key European Union priorities by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, digital transformation, green transition and environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, human capital development, and integrated territorial development across the Region of Attica. Special attention is given to vocational education and training (VET) and workforce adaptability within Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priority sectors.

Peer Review of the Region of Attica Action Plan

A central part of the meeting was the peer review session of the Region of Attica Action Plan developed by RDFA. The Action Plan focuses on evidence-based analysis and policy briefs aligned with Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) priorities, awareness-raising activities promoting the attractiveness of VET, targeted upskilling initiatives, and stronger coordination between VET providers, industry representatives, and policymakers.

During the discussion, partners and stakeholders shared recommendations to further strengthen stakeholder cooperation, improve the targeting and clarity of proposed actions, better communicate labour market and industry needs, and enhance training opportunities for rural areas.

Study Visit to Perama Vocational Training Schools

The first day concluded with a study visit to the Perama Vocational Training School (E.S.K.), generously hosted by Giannis Akritidis. Partners explored innovative approaches to vocational education and skills provision linked to the twin transition, with a strong focus on the maritime and ship building sectors.

As part of the National System of Vocational Education and Training in Greece, E.S.K. Perama offers two-year programmes combining theoretical learning, laboratory training, and workplace-based learning. The school provides specialised training in areas such as welding, pipe fitting, machine tools, and industrial applications, responding directly to local industrial and labour market needs. Through close cooperation with companies and a strong emphasis on apprenticeships, students gain practical skills, recognised professional qualifications, and direct pathways to employment.

EARLALL Workshops: Identifying Successes and Co-Designing the Final Seminar

The second day concluded with two interactive workshops facilitated by EARLALL. During the first workshop, partners and stakeholders identified the key achievements of the SKYLA project, focusing on skills and labour market alignment, stakeholder cooperation, and innovation in vocational education. The second workshop focused on the co-design of the final public seminar in Sofia, addressing future skills, education–industry cooperation, relevant stakeholders and speakers, as well as interactive and practice-oriented session formats.

The SKYLA project enables partners to explore how skills intelligence and labour market data can support regional authorities in integrating industry needs into Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3/S4) and better aligning VET provision with evolving labour market demands. EARLALL is pleased to contribute to these discussions and to support regional cooperation aimed at developing more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented regional skills ecosystems across Europe.

As part of the Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility programme, a delegation from GO! CVO Antwerp, Belgium, participated in a four-day job shadowing visit in the Municipality of Borås (Sweden). The visit took place within the Adult Education and Working Life Department in Region Västra Götaland. All of the participants are part of EARLALL.

The Belgian team included Ms Shana Bomon (Head of Student Counsellors), Ms Nele Van Fraeyenhoven (Teacher of Dutch as a Second Language), Ms Annemie Gevaerts (Coordinator of Dutch Course Content), and Ms Pauline Paternottre (Coordinator of Dutch Courses). The programme was organised through the collaboration of Ms Elle Mangelschots (Professional Development Officer, GO! CVO Antwerp), Ms Anki Holst (KA1 Coordinator at Adult Education), and Mr Nicholas Waller (International Coordinator at the Working Life Department).

Focus on Language Learning and Integration

At the Adult Education centre, the programme combined lesson observations, student interactions, and professional exchanges with teachers. The primary focus was on Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), covering levels A1–A2, alongside observations of Swedish as a foreign language classes at approximately B1 to C1 levels.

Participants also visited a language café, where students practiced conversational skills in an informal and supportive environment while engaging with counsellors. This setting highlighted the importance of real-life communication in language acquisition.

Linking Education with Employment

One of the most valuable insights gained during the visit was the strong connection between language learning, further education, and employment opportunities within the Swedish system. A wide range of courses is tailored to diverse learner groups, particularly newly arrived immigrants.

Students benefit from early guidance through individual study plans, which help maintain motivation and provide clear pathways toward long-term academic and professional goals.

Innovative Teaching Practices

The Belgian participants were particularly inspired by the use of interactive and collaborative teaching methods. Conversation groups and language cafés create relaxed environments that encourage active participation and practical language use.

Another noteworthy practice is co-teaching, where language teachers work alongside vocational education and training (VET) teachers. This approach makes learning more relevant by directly linking language acquisition to professional contexts.

Inclusive Learning Environments

The visit also highlighted the inclusive nature of classrooms, where students with varying levels, learning speeds, and educational backgrounds learn together. Peer support plays an important role in this setting, fostering collaboration and mutual encouragement. This inclusive approach provided fresh perspectives for the visiting educators.

Insights from the Working Life Department

During meetings with key staff members, including Ms Johanna Svensson Engqvist (Principal of SFI) and Ms Elisabeth Österberg (Principal of Upper Secondary Level and Special Education for Adults), participants gained a deeper understanding of the Swedish adult education system.

At the Working Life Department, the group observed a highly individual-centred approach. Each participant follows a personalised action plan based on their goals, strengths, and challenges. Emphasis is placed on dialogue, reflection, and personal responsibility in the learning process.

Ms Bisera Suljovic (Administrator and Language Support) emphasised the importance of equipping learners with strategies rather than simply providing answers—an approach that fosters independence and long-term development. A key method involves placing participants in real workplaces at an early stage, allowing them to develop skills through practical experience.

Mr Raza Jawad (Project Manager) explained that some of these practices were inspired by previous Erasmus+ job shadowing experiences in Stuttgart, demonstrating the ongoing impact of international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

On 28 April 2026, EARLALL hosted the second Exchange Meeting on inclusive labour markets, bringing together members to share initiatives and regional insights on how to integrate individuals furthest away from the labour market. While the first meeting focused on workforce shortages linked to demographic change and explored systemic pathways to address them, this second session shifted towards concrete labour-market approaches currently implemented across EARLALL’s regions and collaborations.

The Brittany Region opened the exchange by presenting its Vocational Education and Training (VET) policy and the measures in place to ensure accessibility for target groups. Introducing the regional context, Tangi De Rochefort outlined a structured training system delivered by more than 90 VET providers and built around three pillars that prioritise inclusion. He noted that around 60% of all learners belong to one or more target groups. Brittany’s ability to identify new ways of engaging and empowering individuals, combined with strong local coordination, has contributed to the region achieving the lowest unemployment rate in France. This approach enables Brittany to move beyond traditional views of education and life pathways, rebuild confidence among individuals who are often overlooked, and remain resilient during periods of economic slowdown.

Francesca Torlone, from the University of Florence, provided an overview of regional policy challenges and solutions developed within the Interreg Europe-funded SALAM project (Sustainable Accessibility to the Labour Market). She emphasised the increasingly non-linear nature of career pathways, which require personalised guidance and mentoring to help individuals navigate multiple transitions. Torlone also reflected on the impact of the “Great Resignation,” linking it to low-quality and unfulfilling jobs that fail to align with personal aspirations. She highlighted the potential of self-employment in the third-sector economy and stressed the importance of upskilling, noting that training must lead to concrete and meaningful learning outcomes. She concluded by presenting a skills-framework approach as a cutting-edge method for defining transparent career pathways and aligning them with the skills employees need, illustrating how regional governments in the SALAM project are putting these solutions into practice.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion on joint efforts and upcoming opportunities for collaboration. EARLALL also highlighted opportunities for members to engage in its working groups on Lifelong Learning, Ageing Societies, Skills and the Labour Market.

As with the first exchange meeting, the discussion reaffirmed the shared commitment across EARLALL’s network to strengthening inclusive labour-market systems. By fostering dialogue, supporting joint initiatives and encouraging international cooperation, EARLALL continues to empower regions to recruit, retain and support individuals currently outside the labour market, contributing to more resilient, equitable and competitive regional communities.

On 23 April 2026, EARLALL participated online in the 6th International Conference on Gifted Education: “Teaching for Excellence: School-based models and professional capacity for gifted education.” The event was hosted in Varaždin County, an EARLALL member region, highlighting the network’s strong engagement in promoting excellence in education across its regions.

The conference was organised by the European Talent Centre Croatia and held in a hybrid format at Arena Varaždin. It brought together over 1,000 participants from 14 European countries, including more than 450 online attendees, alongside a wide range of international experts, researchers, and practitioners in gifted education.

The conference aimed to strengthen knowledge exchange and support the development of systematic approaches to identifying and nurturing gifted children and students. The discussions closely aligned with the objectives of the LeadEx (Learning about the Educational Approach to Develop Excellence in Social Education and Lifelong Learning) project, particularly in improving education systems, enhancing teacher capacity, promoting inclusion and excellence, and fostering innovation in lifelong learning.

Prof. Dr Colm O’Reilly ( Dublin City University, Ireland) presented key programmes such as talent search assessments, enrichment courses, early university access, and research initiatives. His contribution highlighted a shift from traditional, IQ-based views of giftedness towards more dynamic and holistic approaches that recognise individual development and diverse abilities. He also addressed mental health challenges among adolescents, including gifted learners, and emphasised the importance of supporting twice-exceptional students. His presentation underscored the need for supportive environments that balance achievement with wellbeing.

Prof. Dr Mojca Juriševič (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) focused on common myths and misconceptions about gifted students, highlighting the critical role of teachers in addressing them. She distinguished between misconceptions, stereotypes, and deeply rooted myths, stressing that while some can be corrected through evidence and awareness, others require broader cultural change. Importantly, she noted that research does not support the assumption that gifted students are more vulnerable than their peers.

Prof. Dr Lianne Hoogeveen (Radboud University, Netherlands) presented giftedness as a dynamic and multifaceted concept shaped by intelligence, environment, and personal development. She emphasised the importance of teacher training and continuous professional development, including programmes such as RITHA, and reiterated that gifted students are not inherently more prone to socio-emotional difficulties.

Mara Sesar (MEd, University of Zagreb Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) explored the didactics of gifted education, addressing legal frameworks, identification processes, and teaching approaches. Her presentation highlighted the importance of integrating gifted education within inclusive school systems and presented the Croatian framework, which includes structured identification, individualised curricula, acceleration, and continuous monitoring. Practical approaches such as mentoring, personalised learning, and student-centred methods were also emphasised.

Robert Kelemen (European Talent Center Croatia) introduced a systems approach to the Croatian education model, linking inputs, educational processes, and outcomes. He highlighted the role of the European Talent Centre Croatia in supporting gifted education through training, Centres of Excellence, and professional development. He also presented the LeadEx project, which promotes interregional cooperation, exchange of good practices, and innovative policy approaches.

Irena Kos Kukec (European Talent Center Croatia) outlined a structured professional development programme for educators, designed to strengthen their capacity to support gifted learners. The programme covers identification, curriculum design, socio-emotional support, and monitoring of student progress.

The conference concluded with an online presentation by Prof. Dr Albert Ziegler (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany), who introduced the concepts of “megatopes” and the “X factor” in talent development. He emphasised that high-performing individuals are key drivers of innovation and economic growth, and that talent flourishes in systems with strong institutional support. According to his model, well-developed systems create “talent powerhouses,” while insufficient support leads to “talent deserts.” He concluded that talent is not fixed, but emerges where resources and opportunities are effectively aligned.

Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of systemic, inclusive, and forward-looking approaches to gifted education – principles that are central to the LeadEx project and EARLALL’s mission to support policy learning and innovation in education across European regions.

From 21 to 23 April 2026, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country) became a European meeting point for vocational education and training (VET) and advanced manufacturing, hosting the International LCAMP Week & Open Days under the theme “Global Connection for Local Change”.

The event, organised by the Basque Government’s Department of Education and Tknika in collaboration with the LCAMP project, gathered nearly 700 participants from 24 countries, positioning the Basque Country as a European reference point for innovation in VET and skills development for the green and digital transitions.

The week also included the final LCAMP partners’ meeting, held on 21 April at the Mendizabala VET Centre in Vitoria-Gasteiz. EARLALL participated in this meeting as leader of the LCAMP Alliance and in its role as project communications manager, contributing to discussions on the project’s legacy and next steps.

Across three days, the programme combined policy dialogue, hands-on learning, and industry engagement, demonstrating how strong VET ecosystems can connect regional strategies with European priorities.

A dynamic start: networking, visits and student engagement

The opening day, 21 April, focused on connection and immersion. Participants engaged in networking activities within VET schools and visited Tknika, gaining first-hand insight into the Basque VET ecosystem—widely recognised for its strong collaboration between education, industry and innovation.

Running alongside the official programme, the LCAMP Student Hub brought together more than 30 international students, some of whom were participating in a blended mobility programme coordinated by Tknika. Their presence added a strong learner-centred dimension to the week.

Conference highlights: Global connection for local change

The second day centred on the international conference “Global Connection for Local Change”, bringing together policymakers, institutions and experts from organisations such as the European Commission, OECD, European Training Foundation and UNESCO-UNEVOC.

In the institutional opening, Begoña Pedrosa, Minister of Education, Department of Education, Basque Government, emphasised collaboration as the foundation of the Basque VET model, highlighting the importance of connecting schools, companies and institutions, and placing students at the centre of innovation. She framed the event as an opportunity to “grow together”, underlining the value of open systems where learning happens through exchange, collaboration and real-world practice.

A strong message throughout the conference was clear: VET systems must evolve rapidly to respond to digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the green transition. Speakers underlined that while employment levels across Europe are improving, productivity and skills development remain critical challenges.

A key highlight came from El Iza Mohamedou, Head of Centre for Skills at OECD, who stressed that the green transition is already reshaping the labour market. Most jobs are not being replaced but transformed, with changing tasks and skills requirements. Her message was clear: the challenge is not only to create jobs, but to ensure there are enough qualified people to fill them—placing VET graduates “right at the centre” of this transition.

The LCAMP project was presented by Inge Gorostiaga, Director of Digital Transformation and Advanced Learning, Department of Education, Basque Government, who highlighted how its results are already being integrated into the Basque VET system. She connected the project to the region’s long-term strategy, built on training, innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalisation, and aligned with the Centres of Vocational Excellence approach. LCAMP, she noted, demonstrates how European collaboration can generate real regional impact through initiatives such as the Observatory, Skills and Jobs Profiler, Open Innovation Community and Learning Factories. “We need results, not just words,” she emphasised.

Discussions also showcased how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) bridge education and industry, with the Basque Country presented as a leading example of long-term strategic alignment, applied innovation and strong public-private partnerships.

A practical perspective from industry was provided by Alessandro Marini, Cluster Manager at AFIL – Lombardy Intelligent Factory Association, who highlighted the persistent mismatch between skills supply and industry needs. A learner-centred perspective was brought by prof Klaus-Dieter Rupp, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, who illustrated the need for more flexible and modular learning pathways through the example of a student navigating skills gaps in advanced manufacturing.

The panel discussion brought the theme of local change for global connection into focus, emphasising that while challenges are global, solutions must often be rooted in local contexts. Speakers highlighted the importance of strong governance, collaboration and sharing good practices across regions. As discussed, connecting local initiatives to global networks is essential to scale impact and inspire transformation.

Closing the conference, Jon Labaka, Vice Minister of Vocational Education and Training, Department of Education, Basque Government, reflected on the journey and its broader meaning. He highlighted that the event was not only about presenting results, but about showing how a VET ecosystem can be built over time through sustained collaboration and strategic vision. His message was clear: we cannot move forward alone—connection, both at the European and global level, is key to building a more competitive and future-ready society.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in 14 hands-on workshops focused on advanced manufacturing, experiencing LCAMP results in practice. The day concluded with a symbolic sustainability action at CIFP Agrario Arkaute, where TKNIKA and EARLALL planted a tree to represent the project’s legacy and future growth on Earth Day.

Final day: from knowledge to practice

On 23 April, participants could choose between a Project Dissemination Day and visits to leading advanced manufacturing companies, including Mercedes-Benz, Gestamp, Basquevolt and CIC energiGUNE.

The dissemination day was opened by Jon Labaka, Vice Minister of Vocational Education and Training, Department of Education, Basque Government, together with Georgios Zisimos, Head of the Human Capital Development Policy Advice Unit at the European Training Foundation (ETF). The session highlighted the strong international dimension of the Basque VET system, with more than 25 projects presented, demonstrating their contribution to building a robust, innovative and globally connected VET ecosystem.

In his remarks, Georgios Zisimos emphasised the essential role of teachers—not only in preparing skilled professionals, but in shaping individuals. He stressed that their contribution is fundamental to the success of VET systems. Reflecting on the event, he noted that the three days in Vitoria-Gasteiz offered a clear example of VET “in practice,” closely aligned with the direction of the upcoming European Commission VET Strategy. This strategy, currently under development, places increasing attention on the teaching profession as part of the broader ambition under the Union of Skills.

A key moment of the day was the LCAMP Student Hub Skill Competition, showcasing the talent of VET students across different qualification levels. Activities throughout the day focused on learning factory ecosystems and the connection between Industry 4.0 and 5.0.

A lasting legacy

More than a closing event, the International LCAMP Week & Open Days 2026 demonstrated how local excellence can connect globally to address shared challenges. As the project moves towards its final phase, the newly established LCAMP Alliance will ensure that collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange continue beyond its official end.

In a rapidly changing world, the message from Vitoria-Gasteiz was clear: strong, connected VET systems are essential to building a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce.

EARLALL participated online in the 12th “Europe, Let’s Cooperate!” Interregional Cooperation Forum, a hybrid event held on 16–17 April 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event brought together participants from across the EU interested in interregional cooperation, policy improvement, and hands-on policy learning.

Irma Astrauskaite-Denis, Head of Unit – Communication and Contact Points, welcomed over 600 participants, with more than 400 joining the event online.

Henriette Winther, Deputy Director General of the Danish Business Authority, opened the event by thanking the organisers and presenting the programme ahead, along with the priorities under the Danish Presidency. She highlighted that Interreg Europe plays a key role in advancing interregional cooperation, supporting innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing solutions to shared challenges.

Erwin Siweris, Programmes Director, Interreg Europe, opened with an update on Interreg Europe, emphasising its strong collaborative spirit as a “family meeting” of long-term partners. He highlighted that Interreg Europe continues to play a key role in strengthening interregional cooperation and policy learning across Europe. Covering all EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and – since 2021 – the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova, the programme is one of the largest under European Territorial Cooperation. With over 260 approved projects, the programme connects regions and supports EU cohesion policy. The PLP brings together nearly 25,000 members, sharing 4,000+ good practices and offering peer reviews, policy briefs, and thematic events.

The event continued with a panel discussion featuring policymakers: Katarina Nordmark (Debuting project), Georgiane Nedelea (SireNergy project), Juan-Anton Gambina (atWork4Neets project), and Rute Dias Gregório, who shared experience from a peer review process. Speakers presented their initiatives and highlighted key success factors, including regular exchange of good practices, strong involvement of policy staff, and the use of peer reviews, expert input, and study visits. They also emphasised the importance of early stakeholder engagement, while noting time constraints due to administrative processes as a key challenge.

Federica Ferrara Senior Consultant in Public Policy Evaluation  from Ernst and Young, presented the unique added value of Interreg Europe as a key instrument for strengthening territorial cohesion across Europe. The programme brings together partners from more and less developed regions, enabling the exchange of experience and expertise across a wide geographical scope. Its peer learning approach and strong focus on capacity building support public authorities in improving governance and translating knowledge into long-term impact, notably through concrete policy improvements.

The event featured high-level speakers discussing the future of EU cohesion policy and the contribution of interregional cooperation.

Oana Andreea Dordain (DG REGIO) presented an ambitious future EU budget of €2 trillion, including €10.2 billion for Interreg, aimed at strengthening territorial cooperation, simplifying programmes, and enhancing results-oriented funding. She also outlined the three-layer legislative framework governing EU funds, covering horizontal regulations, the “Plan” Regulation, and fund-specific rules such as ERDF/Interreg.

The first day online session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Pavel Branda (Committee of the Regions), Amandine Dupont, and Anne Livingston. Speakers highlighted the importance of Interreg for territorial cohesion, while stressing the need for adequate funding, legal certainty, and simplified implementation. They also addressed key challenges, including administrative complexity and upcoming performance-based approaches, and underlined the growing role of evaluation in supporting effective policymaking and delivering tangible regional impact.

EARLALL’s Contribution through Interreg Europe Projects

The discussions strongly resonate with EARLALL’s ongoing involvement in Interreg Europe projects such as SKYLA (Smart Specialisation Skills Ecosystems for the Twin Transition), SALAM (Sustainable AccessibIlity to the Labour Market), QUEEN (Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs), and LeadEx (Learning about the Educational Approach to Develop Excellence), which actively contribute to policy learning, skills development, and inclusive labour markets across regions. Through these initiatives, EARLALL supports the exchange of good practices, strengthens regional capacities, and promotes innovative solutions aligned with EU priorities on skills, employment, and lifelong learning.

On 21 April 2026, EARLALL participated in Eurofound’s event “Working in the Age of AI – How are working conditions changing across Europe?” held at the European Parliament. The gathering brought together national policymakers, social partners, civil society representatives and experts to discuss the latest evidence from Eurofound’s European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) Overview Report and to explore how data can inform sustainable policies on job quality, fairness and competitiveness in the future of work.

The event opened with an address by Li Andersson, MEP and Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL). She underlined that the role of AI in the workplace is a central topic in parliamentary debates, with policymakers striving both to mitigate risks, such as the blurring of boundaries between work and private life, and to harness technological progress to create new opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Moderation was provided by Barbara Gerstenberger, Head of the Working Life Unit at Eurofound, who introduced the agenda and speakers. Giving the floor to Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director of Eurofound, she invited him to highlight the unique scope of the EWCS dataset, which provides an unparalleled evidence base for advancing job quality across Europe.

Kalfin welcomed Agnès Parent‑Thirion and Jorge Cabrita, Senior Research Managers at Eurofound’s Working Life Unit, who presented the report’s methodology and key findings. Parent‑Thirion noted job quality as a key factor in reducing stress levels, improving public health and maintaining a motivated workforce up to the age of 60. She emphasised that job quality is a cornerstone of Europe’s long‑term competitiveness. The report identifies seven dimensions that shape working life, several of which, such as working time quality, prospects, the physical environment and skills and discretion, have shown improvement in recent years. Skills and discretion were highlighted as particularly significant, with learning opportunities and workplace training emerging as essential components of high‑quality work.

Cabrita then addressed the dimensions requiring further attention. The social environment remains a concern, with women reporting higher exposure to discrimination than men. Organisational participation has declined over time, and work intensity has increased, with more workers required to manage emotionally demanding situations. Cabrita concluded by stressing that working conditions vary considerably by occupation, age, gender and sector, and that improved job quality is closely linked to access to unions and collective representation.

The discussion continued with contributions from Francesco Corti, Member of Cabinet to the Executive Vice‑President for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness at the European Commission. Corti highlighted concerns about workers’ exposure to emerging risks, including rising temperatures, and the decline of workplace representation structures. Laura Nurski, Head of the Future of Work Programme at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), echoed this view, describing the report’s methodological depth as setting a global benchmark. She drew attention to the nuanced patterns revealed across Member States, particularly regarding polarisation in working conditions. Marit Maij, MEP and member of the EMPL Committee, emphasised the persistent gender gap as a significant challenge for the EU. The contributions from the Parliament underscored the value of the EWCS report as a foundation for strong and sustainable policymaking.

In their closing remarks, Ivailo Kalfin and Li Andersson reiterated the central message of the event: that Europe’s competitiveness lies at the intersection of technological innovation, organisational practices and workers’ wellbeing. As a network committed to inclusive and high‑quality working environments, EARLALL welcomed the insights shared and the continued focus on shaping a fair and sustainable future of work, strengthening regional learning ecosystems and contributing to Europe’s long‑term competitiveness.

On 21 April 2026, EARLALL held its 18th online Academy session for members, focusing on the role of microcredentials in supporting labour market-oriented education and training.

The session combined a European policy perspective with practical implementation. It featured contributions from Iraklis Piliakis (CEDEFOP), who presented the evolution of microcredentials at EU level, and Lenita Oderfält from the Nordic Textile Academy, who shared hands-on experience from the Västra Götaland region.

Key topics included the development of microcredentials in EU policy, their main characteristics, strengths and challenges, and their integration into National Qualifications Frameworks. The session also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, trust, and labour market relevance, alongside practical examples of work-based learning, validation, and stackable microcredentials.

Overall, the Academy provided members with both a strategic overview and practical insights into how microcredentials can support flexible, skills-oriented learning pathways across Europe.

On 21 April, EARLALL participated in a hybrid event on “Vocational Education and Training (VET) – A new Strategy for competitiveness and quality jobs”, organised by the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI).

The discussion was framed by key EU policy developments, including:

• Mario Draghi’s 2024 report on The Future of European Competitiveness, highlighting the central role of skills and knowledge in Europe’s labour force;
• The European Commission’s Union of Skills initiative (2025), placing human capital at the core of Europe’s prosperity agenda;
• The ongoing development of a new EU VET Strategy aimed at strengthening the attractiveness, excellence, and labour market relevance of VET systems.

Key Messages from Speakers

The event opened with a keynote by Panagiotis Chatzimichail (OBESSU), who called for a paradigm shift in VET. He stressed that VET should go beyond workforce preparation and actively promote social justice, critical citizenship, and empowerment. He highlighted key priorities, including addressing the academic-vocational divide, improving the quality and fairness of apprenticeships, ensuring inclusive access to digital and green skills, and strengthening student participation and European cooperation.

MEP Brigitte Van Der Berg underlined the persistent undervaluation of VET professionals and warned of a growing gap between university-educated elites and VET graduates. She advocated for equal access to EU programmes such as Erasmus+, stronger Centres of Vocational Excellence, and the development of a European skills passport to support cross-border recognition of qualifications.

Stefan Nowatschin (CESI) shared practical examples from his school, emphasising the importance of aligning VET with future skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and AI literacy. He highlighted the role of European cooperation, notably through Erasmus+, and stressed the need to position teachers as facilitators of learning and innovation.

Antonello Pietrangeli, CESI Youth Representative, focused on the quality of jobs and learning experiences within VET. He highlighted concerns about the working conditions of teachers and trainers, including low levels of recognition and high burnout. He called for stronger investment in fair wages, professional development, career progression, and social dialogue, as well as safeguards against the misuse of apprenticeships as low-cost labour.

Antonio Ranieri (CEDEFOP) highlighted the paradox between high demand for VET graduates and persistently low productivity growth. He pointed to structural challenges, including skills shortages, demographic decline, and the impact of AI, while emphasising the growing importance of VET in a shifting global “skills economy”.

Andrea Leruste (European Commission) presented the results of the Call for Evidence, which gathered 112 contributions from 22 countries, including 18 EU Member States. The strong participation, particularly from civil society, underlined the high level of stakeholder engagement and the relevance of VET in addressing Europe’s current challenges.

The upcoming EU VET Strategy is expected to outline concrete actions to make VET systems more future-proof and responsive to labour market needs. Building on the 2020 VET Recommendation and the Osnabrück/Herning processes, it will aim to strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and regional cohesion, while addressing emerging challenges such as the impact of artificial intelligence.

At the same time, several structural challenges remain, including the slow adaptation of VET systems to labour market changes, persistent image issues and gender stereotypes, skills gaps among learners, shortages of qualified teachers, limited mobility, and insufficient internationalisation.

Conclusion

The discussions highlighted a clear consensus: VET must be reimagined as a strategic, high-quality, and inclusive pillar of European society. Achieving this will require systemic reforms, stronger investment in teachers and learners, and closer alignment between education systems and labour market needs.

EARLALL reaffirms its commitment to supporting VET systems that foster excellence, innovation, and regional development across Europe.