The purpose of the EQF is to improve the transparency, comparability and portability of people's qualifications. The EQF was originally created in 2008 as a common reference framework of eight European generic levels of learning, which serves as "translation grid" between national qualifications systems.

"The EQF is a success story. In the almost ten years since it was established, it has helped to make qualifications more transparent - and therefore more comparable - across Europe," said Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility.

The adoption of the revision today ensures the continuity as well as a further deepening of the EQF so it can keep up with future developments.

All types and levels of qualifications are covered including qualifications from higher education, vocational education and training and general education, but also qualifications awarded by the private sector and international sector organisations.

In addition to adopting the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning, a progress report on Europass was discussed.

For the education points at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on Monday 22 May, the Commission was represented by Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, together with Commissioner Navracsics, who has Education, Culture, Youth and Sport in his portfolio.

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