Single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass)

By adopting the report by Sabine ZISSENER (EPP-ED, D) which aims to create a single framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass). The European Parliament accepted the recommendations from the committee responsible and included some additional amendments aiming to clarify the content of a single framework. The other main amendment to the proposal relates to the future extension of the Europass portfolio to include other documents that might become more relevant in the future. The single framework should be widened as soon as possible to include an instrument to record proficiency in information technology. The report also strengthens the importance of the involvement of the EU's social partners in evaluating and periodically reviewing the Europass initiative. Moreover, the Parliament states that third country nationals resident in the European Union should also be able to benefit. Parliament is of the opinion that the social partners at EU level will play a particular role in sectoral transparency initiatives that could be incorporated into the Europass framework in due course. Each Member State shall designate a Europass National Agency (ENA), which shall be responsible at national level for the coordination of all activities referred to in this Decision and which shall replace or develop, where appropriate, existing bodies currently carrying out similar activities. Moreover, Parliament requests that adequate promotion and information activities are carried out at European and national level, covering citizens, education and training providers and social partners including SMEs. Parliament stipulates that 3 years after the entry into force of this Decision and every 4 years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an evaluation report on its implementation based on an evaluation carried out by an independent body and consultation with the social partners. Where appropriate the sending organisation and the host organisation cooperate in providing the person concerned with appropriate information about workplace health and safety, labour law, equality measures and other work-related provisions applying in the host country. Lastly, the Parliament amends the common format of the Mobilipass, it states in particular that the holder's social skills and competences including in particular those relating to inter-cultural experiences.�