1. 1 Parallel Session A: Living and Working conditions Cedefop - Lessons Learned Sintra 25-27 November 2009 Loukas Zahilas, Senior Expert on qualifications and learning outcomes loukas.zahilas@cedefop.europa.eu

2. 2 What Cedefop is Cedefop is the European Agency that helps promote and develop vocational education and training in the European Union (EU). It is the EU's reference centre for vocational education and training. Cedefop is the centre of expertise to support the development of VET and evidence-based policy-making. It provides advice, research, analysis, information, and stimulates European cooperation and mutual learning. Its networks allow the Centre to keep abreast of recent developments. Cedefop works closely with the European Commission, governments, representatives of employers and trade unions, as well as with researchers and practitioners. Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

3. 3 Cedefop Cedefop was one of the first specialised and decentralised agencies set up to provide scientific and technical know-how in specific fields and promote exchanges of ideas between different European partners. Originally based in Berlin, in 1995 Cedefop's head office was transferred to Thessaloniki. Cedefop has a liaison office in Brussels. Cedefop works to promote a European area of lifelong learning throughout an enlarged EU. It does this by providing information on and analyses of vocational education and training systems, policies, research and practice. Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

4. 4 Cedefop’s strategic objective (1) Cedefop contributes significantly to implementing the Education and Training 2010 work programme to help achieve the Lisbon goal, and the Copenhagen process to enhance European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) by: developing knowledge to encourage evidence based policy making and raising awareness of developments and challenges in VET through comparative policy analyses and research; developing concepts and proposals for common tools for VET in Europe; Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

5. 5 Cedefop’s strategic objective (2) sharing expertise and knowledge and fostering mutual learning between MS, social partners, practitioners, researchers, and strengthening European cooperation (including that with candidate countries with ETF); serving stakeholders and citizens with relevant information. Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

6. 6 Personnel - information 97 posts on the 2009 establishment plan Staff made up of 25 nationalities; 34% men 66% women. Budget 2009 around 17 million Euro Europe 123, GR-570 01 Thessaloniki (Pylea) Postal address: PO Box 22427, GR-551 02 Thessaloniki Tel. (30) 23 10 49 01 11, Fax (30) 23 10 49 00 20 info@cedefop.europa.eu www. cedefop.europa.eu Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

7. 7 Cedefop’s familiarisation envelope Building bridges Between 2001 and 2009, Cedefop in cooperation with the ETF, supported candidate countries to familiarise and involve in existing Cedefop’s networks and to provide relevant information on Cedefop's role, work and outcomes for their participation in projects and initiatives. Refernet, Conferences, Study Visits, Ttnet, Europass etc Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

8. 8 Familiarisation – a two ways process Not only candidate countries can learn from EU practices but also the other way around. It is essential that EU countries get acquainted with the political and historical background of the candidate countries and their socio-economic situation. This helps discussions by increasing understanding of current issues and seeing if and how some may be changed. Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop

9. 9 Cedefop’s familiarisation envelope Since 2009 and following the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the EU, Cedefop has concluded its project on familiarization. However Cedefop will continue to invite experts from the candidate countries to major Cedefop conferences, workshops and other events so as to continue supporting their integration into the European policy framework for VET and lifelong learning. Loukas Zahilas, Cedefop