EARLALL has joined STEMMING- Green Innovation: Agentic AI and Quantum-Secure STEM Talent for Smart Solar Europe, a new European project bringing together 13 organisations from across Europe to strengthen STEM education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Led by the University of L’Aquila, the consortium brings together universities, research and technology organisations, industry and European networks, including EARLALL as the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning.
STEMMING is part of Cohort 5 of the EIT Higher Education Initiative (HEI) under EIT RawMaterials. The project focuses on developing interdisciplinary skills at the intersection of green technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and software competences, with a particular focus on Europe’s smart solar ecosystem.
Building STEM talent for the green and digital transitions
On 10 September STEMMING consortium came together for its virtual kick-off meeting, marking the start of collaboration between partners and introducing the project within the wider EIT Higher Education Initiative ecosystem.
Launched in 2021 under Horizon Europe, the EIT HEI Initiative aims to strengthen higher education institutions as drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its fifth cohort includes 35 projects from 49 countries and 552 organisations, creating a broad European community for collaboration, experimentation and knowledge exchange.
Within this framework, STEMMING will connect advanced STEM knowledge with entrepreneurial and transversal competences. Entrepreneurship training delivered through the project will align with the European EntreComp framework, while other European competence frameworks can complement this approach in specific technical and sustainability-related areas.
During the kick-off, partners also explored training and capacity-building opportunities available through the EIT HEI ecosystem, including support related to entrepreneurship and intellectual property, as well as resources for connecting project partners, participants and start-ups across Europe.
Connecting universities with regional ecosystems: EARLALL’s role
A key part of EARLALL’s role in STEMMING is to help ensure that the project’s impact extends beyond the participating universities and reaches regional education, skills and innovation ecosystems.
EARLALL will support connections between higher education institutions and regional stakeholders, help align STEMMING activities with regional Smart Specialisation priorities, and contribute to making the opportunities created by the project inclusive and accessible to under-represented groups.
EARLALL will also bring its experience in gender mainstreaming and inclusive regional policy. STEMMING aims for at least 35% participation by women and will monitor gender representation across participation, mentoring, internships and start-up creation.
Through its wider network of regional and local authorities, EARLALL will support the transfer and replication of successful STEMMING approaches beyond the project consortium, connecting project results with regions and lifelong learning ecosystems across Europe.
By bringing together higher education, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and regional cooperation, STEMMING offers an opportunity to develop the talent and skills needed for Europe’s green and digital transitions while ensuring that innovation is connected to regional needs and accessible to a more diverse group of learners.
On 10 September 2026, EARLALL joined fellow members of the Gender Equality Task Force in Brussels for the “Europe Is You: Young Feminist Leadership and the Institutions Within Reach” panel at the European Committee of the Regions.
The panel brought together perspectives from the European Commission, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the European Women’s Lobby, alongside young feminist leaders and civil society representatives.
The discussion came at an important moment for the EU’s gender equality agenda. In 2026, the European Commission introduced its new Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and Roadmap for Women’s Rights, setting out priorities for advancing gender equality across the EU.
The new Strategy also connects these ambitions with the EU’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Nearly five decades after its adoption, the question is not only how to reaffirm these commitments, but how to turn them into tangible change.
This is where lifelong learning has an important role to play. Education and learning can help challenge gender stereotypes, influence educational and career choices, strengthen access to skills and employment, and support participation throughout people’s lives.
What does the data tell us?
The EIGE Gender Equality Index 2025 shows that progress has been made, but equality remains far from achieved. The EU scores 63.4 out of 100, and at the current pace, full gender equality remains at least 50 years away. Participants also stressed that gaps in gender-disaggregated data make it more difficult to understand inequalities and develop effective responses.
For lifelong learning, the Index’s Knowledge domain is particularly relevant. While attainment and participation score 78.7, segregation scores only 41.8, highlighting persistent gender differences in fields of education and the pathways leading from learning to employment.
The My Voice, My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative provided a concrete example of the power of civil society mobilisation. Its work on access to safe abortion across Europe demonstrated how citizens can bring issues onto the European agenda and push for an institutional response. Participants also highlighted the importance of involving young people and youth organisations meaningfully throughout policymaking, rather than only once decisions have been taken.
Connecting gender equality with care careers
Discussions on women’s health and reproductive rights also connect with another challenge relevant to lifelong learning: the strongly gender-segregated care sector.
This link will be explored further by the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning during the European Week of Regions and Cities through the workshop “Rethinking Care Careers: Gender, Skills and Wellbeing for Stronger Regions.”
The session will look at how regional policies, education and training can help challenge gender stereotypes in care careers, strengthen inclusion and wellbeing, and contribute to more sustainable and attractive career pathways.
For EARLALL, the message is clear: moving from promises to change means embedding gender equality not only in dedicated equality policies, but also across education, skills, employment and lifelong learning.
On 8-9 September 2026, EARLALL joined Creative Skills Week 2026 in Brussels, bringing together representatives of Europe’s cultural and creative sectors, policymakers, education and training actors, industry and regional ecosystems to explore how creative skills can contribute to wider societal challenges.
Co-organised by EIT Culture & Creativity, CYANOTYPES and Creative Futures Academy, in collaboration with the Creative Pact for Skills, CREDEX and GreenCCIrcle, this year’s programme addressed questions ranging from regional skills partnerships and new approaches to learning to rural development and measuring the wider public value of culture and creativity.
From European skills agendas to regional implementation
For EARLALL, a particularly relevant discussion focused on how local and regional ecosystems can translate European skills agendas into concrete partnerships and implementation models.
The session brought together perspectives from the European Commission, ERRIN and several European regions and regional skills partnerships, including the member of EARLALL – Basque Country, Stuttgart Region, Region Skåne, southern Italy and Amsterdam.
One of the challenges highlighted was that not every region has a regional skills strategy, while effective policymaking also depends on gathering evidence from education and training providers and connecting it with regional priorities.
Examples presented during the discussion demonstrated different ways of building these ecosystems. In Region Skåne, cooperation brings together universities, competence centres, cultural and creative industry clusters, popular education institutions, cultural organisations and municipalities. Priorities include knowledge exchange between academia and industry, innovative business models, digital and green skills, and diversity. Future ambitions include combining academic micro-credentials with industry-relevant learning and strengthening European cooperation between regional skills partnerships.
Other examples illustrated bottom-up cooperation between VET providers and non-formal learning organisations, regional responses to the digital transformation of cultural heritage, and partnerships connecting technological change with education, training, diversity and territorial attractiveness.
These discussions strongly reflect EARLALL’s approach to lifelong learning as an ecosystem, where regional authorities can connect education and training with employers, communities and other territorial actors while adapting European priorities to local realities.
Learning through experimentation
Creative Skills Week also provided space to rethink how skills are developed and how organisations learn.
Drawing on four years of experimentation, a CYANOTYPES workshop explored lessons emerging from project pilots across Europe. Rather than focusing only on successful outcomes, participants examined organisational blind spots, mistakes and changing perspectives, considering how creative competences can be translated into meaningful organisational change.
Another session looked at regenerative rural futures through culture and creativity, exploring how cultural tourism and cross-sector cooperation can connect culture, local economies and territories. The discussion emphasised place-based approaches rooted in local identity, entrepreneurship and collaboration between different sectors.
Looking beyond economic indicators
The final day turned to another fundamental question: how should Europe measure the value created by culture and creativity?
The discussion highlighted the limitations of relying solely on traditional economic indicators. Culture and creativity can also contribute to innovation, social cohesion, democratic participation, wellbeing and resilience – dimensions that require broader approaches to evidence and impact assessment.
For EARLALL, the discussions across Creative Skills Week reinforced the importance of connecting skills development, creativity and regional ecosystems. Regions are well placed to bring together education and training providers, businesses, cultural organisations, communities and policymakers, creating partnerships that turn European ambitions into learning opportunities and tangible impact at territorial level.
The TRAILS – Enabling data analytics for actions tackling skills shortages & mismatch, EU-funded project consortium gathered in Naples on 9 September 2026 for its sixth plenary meeting, hosted by the University of Naples Federico II, ahead of the Conference on Occupational Mismatch and Skill Shortage, which took place on 10–11 September.
With the TRAILS project approaching its final months, the meeting offered an important opportunity for partners to review progress across the work packages, discuss remaining activities and deliverables, and agree on priorities for the final phase leading up to the project’s conclusion in March 2027.
A key focus of the meeting was how the evidence and knowledge generated by TRAILS can be translated into practical recommendations and made useful for policymakers, stakeholders and other actors working on skills shortages and mismatch.
Partners discussed developing a series of policy briefs on key themes emerging from the project’s research, including training and inclusion, matching skills to labour-market needs, skills development, and mobility. The briefs will connect TRAILS research findings with concrete policy challenges and actionable recommendations for relevant decision-makers and beneficiaries.
The final months of the project will also see the completion of several important research and technical outputs, alongside the continued development of the TRAILS platform, which will bring together project results and analytical tools.
As part of the plenary discussions, Alicia Gaban, representing EARLALL, presented the progress and achievements in TRAILS dissemination and communication activities.
The presentation highlighted the important progress made in raising the project’s visibility and strengthening engagement with relevant stakeholders throughout the project. Among the key achievements discussed were the successful publication and dissemination of press releases, the continued growth of TRAILS’ social media presence, the production and distribution of project newsletters, and ongoing efforts to reach and engage stakeholders at European, regional and local levels.
These activities have helped to increase awareness of the project’s work and ensure that TRAILS research and results reach audiences beyond the consortium itself.
EARLALL’s contribution to the research and experimental work is particularly important in connecting the project with regional and local stakeholders, helping to bring the discussion on skills shortages, skills mismatch, education and labour-market needs closer to the realities faced by territories and their communities.
As the project moves into its final phase, dissemination and stakeholder engagement will remain a key priority, with the consortium focusing increasingly on communicating the project’s findings and supporting their uptake.
The plenary meeting took place at an important moment for TRAILS. Several major deliverables are scheduled for completion between October 2026 and February 2027, while the final policy, dissemination and exploitation activities will continue into March 2027.
The meeting therefore represented an important step towards consolidating the project’s results and ensuring that the knowledge generated by TRAILS can have an impact beyond the lifetime of the project.
The plenary was followed by the Conference on Occupational Mismatch and Skill Shortage in Naples, which brought together more than 40 participants at MUSAP, Palazzo Zapata. The conference offered an opportunity to discuss the challenges addressed by TRAILS with a wider community of researchers, policymakers and stakeholders and to connect the project’s work with the broader European debate on skills and labour-market transformation.
For EARLALL, the continued engagement in TRAILS represents an opportunity to strengthen the role of regional and local perspectives in European discussions on skills, while ensuring that project knowledge is communicated effectively to stakeholders and can contribute to future policy and practice.
On 8 September 2026, EARLALL joined WISE project partners for an online coordination meeting to review the final stages of the project and prepare for the upcoming WISE Final Conference in Brussels.
Partners discussed the status of the project amendment, ongoing reporting and deliverables, and the work still to be completed in the coming months. The planned no-cost extension will allow WISE activities to continue until 31 December 2026, providing additional time to finalise project outputs and consolidate the work carried out by partners.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress on key project resources, including the Holistic Support Centre Model Toolkit, which has been further developed following feedback from the project exchange visit and technical review. Partners coordinated the remaining review and approval process for the project’s final tools and deliverables.
Looking ahead, partners discussed the next WISE Community of Practice, which will provide space to reflect on project conclusions, transitions in local activities and lessons learned from implementation.
Preparations for the WISE Final Conference, taking place in Brussels on 16 September 2026, were also discussed. Partners reviewed outreach, participation and practical arrangements for the hybrid event, which will bring together stakeholders to explore the project’s results and the potential to replicate and adapt holistic support approaches for refugee and migrant women in different contexts
For EARLALL, the coming weeks will be particularly important for bringing the project’s experience into a wider European discussion on how integrated and holistic support can strengthen the social and economic inclusion of refugee and migrant women.
Explore WISE project factsheet and project results
Learn more about the WISE Project here..
Learn how to establish a Holistic Support Centre by watching our WISE webinars.
On 31 August, EARLALL President Madeleine Jonsson met with Tuscany Regional Minister Alberto Lenzi at the headquarters of the Region. The institutional meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the region’s main priorities in employment, vocational education and training, skills, technological innovation and labour market transitions.
The meeting also offered an opportunity to explore prospects for strengthening Tuscany’s political presence within the EARLALL network and to exchange views on shared European priorities. Discussions covered lifelong learning, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, skills development and the challenges associated with increasingly complex labour market transitions. Particular attention was also given to the impact of artificial intelligence on education and training systems, as well as on production systems and the future of work.
A key part of the discussion focused on the implementation of the GOL Programme (Guarantee of Employability of Workers) in Tuscany. The region presented its Regional Implementation Plan (PAR Toscana), highlighting the role of employment services, coordination with training provision, and upskilling and reskilling measures designed to support individuals in navigating labour market transitions.
Following the institutional meeting, President Jonsson visited a Public Employment Centre in Florence, part of ARTI, Tuscany’s Regional Agency for Employment. The visit provided an opportunity to gain a direct understanding of how regional public employment services operate and how they support individuals through guidance, personalised pathways and access to training and employment opportunities.
The exchange with ARTI staff focused on the organisation and functioning of regional employment services and their role in connecting active labour market policies, skills needs and training provision. It also highlighted the importance of effective coordination between regional and national measures in supporting people through transitions in the labour market.
The programme continued with a session dedicated to Digital GOL and upskilling and reskilling pathways, with the participation of the GOL Digitale Firenze partnership, led by Cosefi. The discussion explored how employment services, training providers and individual learners can work together to respond to evolving skills needs, particularly in relation to digital competences.
The visit concluded with reflections on possible areas for future cooperation and exchange within the EARLALL network. Tuscany’s experiences offer valuable insights for regions across Europe facing common challenges related to skills shortages, digitalisation, lifelong learning and labour market transitions.
As regions continue to play a central role in connecting education, training, employment and economic development, exchanges such as this one remain essential for mutual learning and cooperation across Europe.
EARLALL has been contributing to the development of the forthcoming European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opinion “Skills for the Future”, led by rapporteur Karolien Grosemans. Following an invitation from the SEDEC Commission, EARLALL held a bilateral meeting with the rapporteur and her team on 26 August 2026, ahead of the stakeholder consultation on 31 August, which EARLALL also joined. These exchanges provided an opportunity to highlight the strategic role of regional and local authorities in shaping Europe’s skills agenda in the context of rapid technological change and the rise of AI‑driven labour markets.
The opinion is expected to be presented and put to vote at the CoR Plenary in October 2026, scheduled around 12 October, marking the final step before its formal adoption. EARLALL’s early engagement ensures that regional perspectives are fully reflected in the text ahead of this decisive moment.
After the bilateral meeting, EARLALL submitted a concise set of illustrative examples drawn from member regions, structured around three pillars we consider essential for a future‑proof skills strategy: (1) Provision of STEM/AI skills, (2) Inclusiveness, and (3) Territorial skills ecosystems.
A snapshot of regional innovation across Europe
The examples shared with the rapporteur demonstrate the breadth of regional action across Europe. They include advanced STEM and AI‑related training models such as the Basque Country’s Tknika system—where “8 technological monitoring nodes and 19 specialisation areas translate emerging tech trends into curricula”—and Tuscany’s industry‑driven ITS Academies. They also highlight inclusive approaches like Västra Götaland’s rural higher‑education access through Campus Dalsland and Brittany’s decentralised tiers‑lieux apprenants. Finally, they showcase robust territorial governance structures, from Baden‑Württemberg’s Alliance for Lifelong Learning to Brittany’s multi‑tier CTEFI committees and Vestland’s Kompetanseforum Vestland. Together, these examples illustrate how regions are already delivering the skills needed for the AI era while ensuring territorial cohesion and coordinated lifelong learning ecosystems.
EARLALL’s message to the CoR
Across all contributions, EARLALL emphasised a clear point: Skills for the future cannot be reduced to curriculum content or AI literacy alone.
The three pillars presented to the rapporteur underline that:
- Regions are key innovators in STEM/AI provision.
- Territorial fairness and access are essential to ensure no community is left behind.
- Skills ecosystems and multi‑stakeholder governance are indispensable for effective lifelong learning.
EARLALL will continue supporting the rapporteur’s work as the opinion advances toward its adoption at the October Plenary, ensuring that regional and local authorities remain recognised as essential actors in Europe’s skills transformation.
In 2026, EARLALL celebrates 25 years of cooperation, exchange and lifelong learning across Europe.
To mark this milestone, EARLALL is continuing its 25th Anniversary Campaign: “25 Years of Regions Learning Together”, a campaign celebrating the people, regions, partnerships and projects that have shaped the network over the past 25 years—and looking ahead to the future of regional cooperation in education and skills.
25 years of regions learning together
EARLALL was founded in 2001 by nine regional governments, united by a shared ambition: to strengthen the role and voice of regions in European education and training policies.
Twenty-five years later, cooperation remains at the heart of EARLALL’s work.
Throughout the anniversary campaign, we will highlight how regions, local authorities, education and training organisations and European partners have worked together to exchange practices, develop projects, strengthen skills ecosystems and contribute to lifelong learning across Europe.
🎥 Watch the anniversary video
25 Years of Regions Learning Together – EARLALL 25th Anniversary Video
Voices from the EARLALL Network
At the centre of the campaign are the voices of the EARLALL network.
Over the coming months, we will share short video testimonials from EARLALL members, associate members and partners, reflecting on their experiences with the network, the value of European cooperation and the impact of working together.
Watch the Voices from the EARLALL Network playlist
These voices represent the diversity of the EARLALL community and the many perspectives that have contributed to its development over the years.
25 Years of Impact
The campaign will also take a look back at key moments in EARLALL’s history.
Through our 25 Years of Impact series, we will revisit important milestones, projects, partnerships and developments that have contributed to the network’s journey since 2001.
Across Our Regions
EARLALL is a network of territories, and the anniversary campaign will bring those territories into the story.
Throughout the autumn, we will share videos, photographs and other visual content from our members, showcasing learning environments, projects, people, skills initiatives and activities taking place across Europe.
From regional institutions and training centres to learners and local communities, these stories will show lifelong learning in practice and in different regional contexts.
Projects and cooperation
European cooperation has always been an important part of EARLALL’s work.
The campaign will therefore also highlight projects and partnerships that demonstrate what can be achieved when regions and organisations join forces.
From exchanging practices and developing new approaches to working together on European projects, these stories illustrate how cooperation can translate into concrete opportunities and stronger regional learning and skills ecosystems.
Explore EARLALL’s European projects
Looking towards the next 25 years
While the anniversary provides an opportunity to look back, it is also a moment to look forward.
The challenges facing regions and communities continue to evolve. Skills needs are changing, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important, and cooperation between regions and European partners remains essential.
As we approach our Annual Meeting and anniversary celebrations in December.
Join the celebration
Follow EARLALL on LinkedIn featuring testimonials, milestones, regional stories, projects and reflections from across the network.
This anniversary is not only about celebrating an organisation. It is about celebrating a network—the regions, local authorities, organisations and people who have contributed to 25 years of cooperation, exchange and lifelong learning.
25 years of Regions Learning Together.
And the next chapter is only beginning.
On 28 July 2026, EARLALL participated in the third Community of Practice (CoP) organised within the framework of the ESF+-funded WISE (Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing) project. The online session focused on the psychological impact of forced displacement, exploring the concept of the “waiting dilemma” – the prolonged uncertainty experienced by people who have been forced to flee their homes while hoping to return one day.
The session was led by psychologist Olena, who combined psychological theory, real-life case studies and interactive group discussions to explore how displacement affects identity, belonging and decision-making. Participants reflected on how indefinite waiting can delay personal development, weaken motivation and make it difficult to build a life in the present, even after reaching safety.
A key takeaway was that successful integration does not require abandoning one’s original identity. Drawing on John Berry’s integration model, the discussion highlighted that maintaining cultural roots while actively participating in the host society offers the best outcomes for psychological well-being. Participants also explored practical tools, including the “Invisible Suitcase” exercise, designed to help displaced people reconnect with the core elements of their identity and regain a sense of agency.
The Community of Practice provided an important opportunity for practitioners to exchange experiences and reflect on how psychological support can help displaced people navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions and build meaningful lives without losing hope for the future.
How can skills policies empower young people to navigate technological change, the green transition and societal challenges? This question was at the centre of the UNESCO-UNEVOC World Youth Skills Day 2026 event, where EARLALL joined international stakeholders to discuss the future of skills and the role of education and training systems in creating inclusive opportunities for young people.
Held under the theme “Skills for a Shared Future”, the 2026 edition of World Youth Skills Day brought together policymakers, education and training practitioners, youth representatives and international organisations to explore how skills development can support resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.
The event focused on three key dimensions shaping the future of skills:
- Technological resilience: preparing learners to adapt to rapid technological developments, including artificial intelligence, while ensuring technology supports human creativity, learning and innovation;
- The green transition: developing the skills required to address climate change and support sustainable economies;
- Human-centred approaches for peace: strengthening transversal skills such as empathy, communication, leadership, creativity and social cohesion.
Opening the event, Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, highlighted the importance of optimism and collective action in shaping the future of skills. Young representatives shared their perspectives through a video message, identifying the skills they consider essential for the future, including AI literacy, leadership, creativity, lifelong learning, communication, empathy, self-awareness and green skills.
Skills development as a pathway to opportunity
During the event, Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO, stressed that the world is undergoing profound transformations driven by technological developments and climate change, creating both challenges and new opportunities.
He highlighted the need to create opportunities for young people to develop and use their talents, noting that while talent is everywhere, opportunities are not. Ensuring access to quality learning opportunities remains a major challenge, with many young people still excluded from education and training pathways.
In this context, vocational education and training (VET) plays a key role in connecting learning with opportunities, supporting young people in acquiring relevant skills while responding to changing societal and economic needs. The right to education, as highlighted during the discussions, is also a right to lifelong learning—and investing in education means investing in people.
A shared responsibility for future-ready skills
The event also highlighted that skills development is both an individual investment and a collective responsibility. Oliver Diehl, Deputy Head of Division for Continuing Vocational Training and the European Vocational Education and Training Area at the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ), underlined that preparing skills systems for the future requires cooperation and recognition of the interconnected nature of today’s world.
Insights from a global youth survey presented by Grace Samba, UI/UX Designer and digital innovation professional from Kenya, and Nurit Davidowicz from WorldSkills Champion Trust, showed that young people see a combination of technical and human skills as essential for the future. The survey, conducted across more than 100 countries, highlighted barriers faced by young people in accessing skills development, including the cost of courses.
The discussions reinforced that while AI and digital technologies will increasingly become part of education and work environments, they should be understood as tools that support learning and innovation. At the same time, human skills—including empathy, creativity, communication and collaboration—remain central to preparing future-ready learners and workers.
The role of regions in shaping the future of skills
For EARLALL, these discussions strongly connect with the role of regions in building effective and inclusive skills ecosystems.
Regional and local authorities are uniquely positioned to connect education and training systems with labour markets, innovation ecosystems, communities and young people. Through place-based approaches, regional cooperation and multi-level governance, regions can help ensure that skills policies respond to local realities while contributing to broader European and global objectives.
EARLALL’s work focuses on strengthening cooperation between regions, promoting lifelong learning, supporting vocational education and training, and fostering skills policies that enable people and communities to thrive in times of transition.
The main conclusion from the event was clear: no institution can address the future of skills alone. Building a shared future requires partnerships across governments, education providers, employers, civil society and young people themselves.
Through initiatives such as the UNESCO Global Skills Academy and continued international cooperation, stakeholders are working towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to learn, contribute and thrive.
EARLALL remains committed to bringing the regional perspective into these discussions and supporting collaboration to develop inclusive, resilient and future-oriented skills ecosystems across Europe.
On 14 July 2026, EARLALL held the 19th edition of its online Academy, bringing together members to explore the transparency and portability of learning outcomes, with a particular focus on two of the European Union’s key transparency tools: the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Europass.
The session traced the evolution of European cooperation on the transparency and portability of learning outcomes and examined how this journey continues to shape current EU policy. Participants explored the role of the EQF and Europass in supporting learners, workers, employers and education providers to compare qualifications, recognise skills, and promote lifelong learning and mobility across Europe.
The webinar also provided an overview of the latest policy developments in the field, including learning outcomes, certificate supplements, digital credentials, and the forthcoming Skills Portability Initiative, offering participants valuable insights into the future direction of EU skills and qualifications policies.
The session was delivered by Zelda Azzarà, Cedefop expert in qualifications and EU transparency tools. Zelda shared her expertise on the implementation of the European Qualifications Framework Recommendation, the complementarity of the EQF and Europass, and the growing role of digital tools in improving the portability of learning outcomes across Europe.
Throughout the webinar, participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of:
- the evolution of EU cooperation on the transparency and portability of learning outcomes;
- the role of learning outcomes in supporting the comparability and recognition of qualifications across Europe;
- the purpose, evolution and complementarity of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Europass;
- the latest policy developments, including the forthcoming Skills Portability Initiative.
The EARLALL Academy continues to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge on European education, skills and employment policies, supporting members in staying informed about the latest policy developments and strengthening regional cooperation.
The partners of SALAM – Sustainable Accessibility to the Labour Market met online on 10 July 2026 to review progress, consolidate the outcomes of the recent interregional exchanges in Gothenburg, and prepare the next stage of the project focused on policy learning, good practice transfer and regional policy improvement.
To ensure broad participation across the partnership, the same meeting will also be held on 13 and 15 July, allowing all partners to contribute to the discussions.
During the meetings, partners discussed the concrete practices identified through the study visits and peer learning activities, with particular attention to the cooperation opportunities emerging between participating regions. Several regional authorities expressed their interest in transferring and adapting successful approaches presented by other partners, reinforcing SALAM’s objective of improving policies that support the sustainable labour market integration of migrants.
The discussions also focused on the project’s methodology for supporting policy improvement. Partners reviewed the different stages of the SALAM learning process, from identifying regional needs and matching them with good practices, to preparing policy transfer actions and ultimately achieving lasting policy change.
Looking ahead, the consortium agreed on the next steps for the follow-up phase. From September onwards, partners will begin collecting more detailed information on:
- policy change processes already initiated thanks to SALAM;
- new policy developments emerging within the project;
- planned policy actions supported by concrete regional action plans.
The meeting also established the timetable for the coming months, including the preparation of summaries of the bilateral cooperation opportunities identified following the Gothenburg exchanges, the submission of good practices, and the preparation of stakeholder reports.
In addition, EARLALL, together with the Lead Partner, the University of Florence (UNIFI), is currently preparing an online webinar for autumn 2026 to present a selection of the good practices identified throughout the project. The webinar will provide an opportunity to showcase successful regional initiatives to a wider audience of policymakers and practitioners, fostering further exchange and mutual learning. The programme is currently being developed jointly by EARLALL and UNIFI, and project partners will receive further information in the coming weeks.
As the project’s communication partner, EARLALL will continue supporting the dissemination of SALAM’s results and facilitating cooperation among European regions committed to improving policies for the sustainable labour market integration of migrants.
The online meeting once again demonstrated the partners’ strong commitment to transforming interregional cooperation into tangible policy improvements that will continue to benefit regions and their communities well beyond the lifetime of the project.