European Commission

Education & culture DG
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Copenhagen Process

National authorities and social partners from 33 European countries are taking part in the Copenhagen Process to help develop vocational education and training systems.

Since 2002, the countries involved have worked together to develop innovative policies and actions. The overall aim is to improve the quality of vocational training and to encourage more individuals to make wider use of vocational learning opportunities, whether at school, in higher education, in the workplace, or through private courses.

The actions and tools developed aim to allow users to link and build on learning acquired at various times, in both formal and non-formal contexts.

National education ministers have met every two years to review the process. The latest revision took place in December 2010. The European Ministers for Vocational Training, the European Social Partners and the European Commission met in Bruges, Belgium, to set the priorities of the Copenhagen Process for 2011-2020.

More information


Bruges 2010



Bordeaux 2008



Helsinki 2006



Maastricht 2004



Copenhagen 2002


In depth