With the conclusion of the first EQAVET Peer Review cycle of 2022-2023, the year 2024 brings the second Peer Review cycle, with 20 Peer Reviews taking place across participating countries until 2026. We kindly thank all the National Reference Points (NRP) who have expressed their enthusiastic participation and engagement on this fruitful exercise. Whether hosting or acting as peers, the Peer Reviews lay the ground for strengthening the EQAVET Network, fostering the exchange of best practices, and enhancing knowledge in the field of Vocational Education and Training.

Since our last newsletter in September 2023, we have had a series of impactful activities that have further solidified our Network and advanced our collective goals. In November 2023, the EQAVET Peer Learning Activity (PLA) on 'Quality assuring the digital tools and delivery in VET' gathered 40 participants from over 20 countries, focusing on the challenges and initiatives regarding quality assurance in the context of digital tools. Additionally, in October 2023, as part of the European Vocational Skills Week, we hosted a webinar that delved into evolving trends and developments in quality assurance at the VET provider level – an event attended by around 130 participants. In April 2024, the EQAVET PLA focused on quality assuring education for democratic citizenship in VET, bringing together 71 participants from more than 25 countries. Additionally, the European Year of Skills concluded in April 2024 with a conference led by the European Commission's Executive Vice-President, Margaret Vestager, emphasising the urgent need to adapt to changing economies and calling for a "global century of skills". Finally, on 13 and 14 June we just hosted the EQAVET 2024 Annual Network Meeting, in Brussels.

Looking forward, we are excited about the new cycle of activities and plans for the upcoming months, including developing the EQAVET Work Programme and defining the upcoming 2025 Peer Review dates and topics. We are also thrilled to announce that 20 NRPs have received a grant from EACEA to support their national projects from 2023 to 2026. Moreover, the EQAVET Secretariat has secured funding for another three years to continue supporting NRPs with their collaboration activities on an EU level. 

All in all, the EQAVET Secretariat will gladly keep supporting our shared efforts throughout the current 2024-2026 cycle. Thank you for your dedication, and we look forward to the new developments in the current Peer Review cycle. 

Warm regards, 

The EQAVET Secretariat