Process of adoption

On the basis of this proposal for a decision, on the 15 December 2004  the European Parliament and of the Council decided to establish a single framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences "by means of the creation of a personal, coordinated portfolio of documents, to be known as "Europass", which citizens can use on a voluntary basis to better communicate and present their qualifications and competences throughout Europe".
 
The Commission started to put EUROPASS into practice at the beginning of 2005, requiring Member States to set up National Europass Centres. Most National Europass Centres launched Europass through specific national conferences, often accompanied by regional seminars or workshops. National Internet sites have been opened by the majority of centres to complement the European portal in Cedefop.
 
Currently, in every country (European Union and European Economic Area), a National Europass Centre coordinates all activities related to the Europass documents. It is the first point of contact for any person or organisation interested in using or learning more about Europass. Their main functions are:

• To coordinate the management of Europass documents;
• To promote Europass and Europass documents;
• To ensure that information and guidance centres are well informed about Europass and the Europass documents;
• To ensure that all Europass documents are also available in paper versions;
• To act as a national partner in the European network of National Europass Centres.