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- Lifelong Learning Policy
The European framework for key competences
The European framework for key competences for lifelong learning, released at the end of 2006, identifies and defines the key abilities and knowledge that everyone needs in order to achieve employment, personal fulfilment, social inclusion and active citizenship in today's rapidly-changing world.
The framework includes competences in ‘traditional’ subjects, such as mother tongue literacy, numeracy, knowledge of foreign languages, science and IT skills. But it also covers other skills, such as learning to learn, social and civic competence, initiative-taking, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and self-expression.
Initial education and training systems across the EU should support the development of these competences in all young people, and adult education and training need to give real opportunities for all adults to continually build and maintain their skills.
More information
- A summary of EU legislation establishing the European framework of key competences
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Brochure: Key Competences for Lifelong Learning - European Reference Framework
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Legal text: Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on key competences for lifelong learning (December 2006)
In depth
- The European framework for key competences
- European Qualifications Framework
- Europass
- European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)
- European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET)
- Quality assurance in vocational education and training
- Validation of non-formal and informal learning
- Guidance
- Diploma Supplement
- National Recognition Information Centres