Resolution of the European Parliament

1. Use the European Qualifications Framework as a reference tool to compare the qualification levels of the different qualifications systems and to promote both lifelong learning and equal opportunities in the knowledge-based society, as well as the further integration of the European labour market, while respecting the rich diversity of national education systems;
 
2. Relate their national qualifications systems to the European Qualifications Framework by 2010 , in particular by referencing in a transparent manner their qualification levels to the levels set out in Annex II , and, where considered appropriate, by developing national qualifications frameworks in accordance with national legislation and practice;
 
3. Adopt measures, as appropriate, so that, by 2012 , all new qualification certificates, diplomas and "Europass" documents issued by the competent authorities contain a clear reference, by way of national qualifications systems, to the appropriate European Qualifications Framework level;
 
4. Use an approach based on learning outcomes when defining and describing qualifications, and promote the validation of non-formal and informal learning in accordance with the common European principles agreed in the Council conclusions of 28 May 2004, paying particular attention to those citizens most likely to be subject to unemployment or insecure forms of employment, for whom such an approach could help increase participation in lifelong learning and access to the labour market;
 
5. Promote and apply the principles of quality assurance in education and training set out in Annex III when relating higher education and vocational education and training qualifications within national qualifications systems to the European Qualifications Framework;
 
6. Designate national coordination points, linked to the particular structures and requirements of the Member States, to support and, in conjunction with other relevant national authorities, to guide the relationship between the national qualifications system and the European Qualifications Framework, in order to promote the quality and transparency of that relationship .
 
The tasks of those national coordination points should include:
 
(a) referencing levels of qualifications within national qualifications systems to the European Qualifications Framework levels described in Annex II ;
 
(b) ensuring that a transparent methodology is used to refer national qualifications levels to the European Qualifications Framework in order to facilitate comparisons between them, and ensuring that the resulting decisions are published;
 
(c) providing access to information and guidance to stakeholders on how national qualifications relate to the European Qualifications Framework through national qualifications systems ;
 
(d) promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders including, in accordance with national legislation and practice, higher education and vocational education and training institutions, social partners, sectors and experts on the comparison and use of qualifications at the European level.
 
The European Parliament endorses the Commission's intention to:
 
1. support Member States in carrying out the above tasks and international sectoral organisations in using the reference levels and principles of the European Qualifications Framework as set out in this Recommendation, in particular by facilitating cooperation, the exchange of good practice and testing - inter alia through voluntary peer review and pilot projects under Community programmes, launching information and consultation exercises with social dialogue committees - and developing support and guidance material;
 
2. establish, by ... , a European Qualifications Framework advisory group (composed of representatives of Member States and involving the European social partners and other stakeholders, as appropriate) responsible for providing overall coherence and promoting transparency of the process of relating qualifications systems to the European Qualifications Framework;
 
3. assess and evaluate, in cooperation with the Member States and after consulting the stakeholders concerned, the action taken in response to this Recommendation, including the remit and duration of the advisory group, and report, five years after its adoption, to the European Parliament and the Council on the experience gained and implications for the future, including, if necessary, the possible review and revision of this Recommendation;
 
4. promote close links between the European Qualifications Framework and existing or future European systems for credit transfer and accumulation in higher education and vocational education and training, in order to improve citizens' mobility and facilitate the recognition of learning outcomes.