EARLALL Participates in Skills Portability Initiative Focus Group

27/02/2026

On 25 February, ECORYS invited relevant organisations and stakeholders to join a focus group supporting the European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion’s study on the Skills Portability Initiative (SPI). EARLALL took part to advocate for the recognition of skills and to address upcoming challenges and policy developments at regional level.

The SPI aims to improve the use and recognition of skills and qualifications across EU Member States by supporting worker mobility, addressing labour shortages, and enhancing competitiveness. This focus group highlighted Action 1 of the SPI, which focuses on improving the transparency, usability, and cross-border portability of skills and qualifications. The aim of the focus groups is to discuss challenges, share best practices, and explore potential improvements in the portability and recognition of skills and qualifications, together with experts, organisations, and stakeholders.

The webinar explored current challenges and barriers affecting skills mobility for workers, learners, institutions, and employers. Attendees examined potential solutions for improving cross-border recognition, such as the use of digital credentials, and shared their experiences and perspectives regarding the portability and recognition of skills across Member States. Participants further emphasized that guidance for professionals and public employment officials is often limited, while systems for validation and recognition of skills remain fragmented. The discussion also highlighted the need for stronger alignment between national qualification frameworks (NQFs) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) as a key policy solution.

The focus group stressed the importance of recognizing prior learning (RPL) as a way to address existing challenges. It also underscored the value of maintaining and updating comprehensive NQF qualifications in alignment with databases linked to Europass, to leverage shared practices and inform EU-level policy options for enhancing skills portability.

As a dedicated network across Europe, EARLALL closely follows developments in recognized learning across borders to strengthen the international alignment of skills. By supporting initiatives and research that promote the recognition of skills portability,

As a dedicated network across Europe, EARLALL actively addresses developments in recognized learning within its Working Groups, contributing to the international alignment of skills. By supporting initiatives and research that promote the recognition of skills portability, the network can contribute to a more mobile and foster a more mobile and competitive European workforce.