Quality Assurance for Education and Training systems in Europe

Abstract

Globalization, along with the transitions to green and digital economies, has significantly impacted educational systems, leading to a fundamental shift characterized by a new evolutionary and organizational phase. The increasing use of digital platforms in education and training has destabilized traditional European teaching models and affected the labor market, replacing outdated practices and conventional needs. As a result, updating the skills of teaching and training professionals has become critical to meet labor market demands and remain competitive in the global economy. In this context, the European Commission has strongly recommended that Member States implement national education and training policies to manage this transformation. Competence development is a strategic priority within the EU's policy agenda, and the adoption of the European Skills Agenda for Sustainable Competitiveness, Social Equity, and Resilience (2020) has set ambitious targets for skills improvement and retraining, along with a focus on quality assurance in education and vocational training (VET). Ensuring quality in VET is essential for Europe’s development, serving as a critical tool to fully leverage skills for societal well-being. This article provides an overview of key European education and training policy documents, focusing on the role of the EQAVET network and the tools used to implement quality assurance in education and training at both national and international levels.