The Forum participates in the latest European Qualifications Framework Advisory Group meeting

On 26th and 27th February, the Forum participated in its third meeting of the European Qualifications Framework Advisory Group (EQF AG) in Birmingham, UK. The group was formed to work on implementing the 2012 Council Recommendation on validating non-formal and informal learning.

The Group is composed of representatives of all Member States, as well as some civil society organisations. Last September, The European Youth Forum was invited to join as the only representative from the youth sector.

During this meeting, the advisory group approved the proposal of the roadmaps of each Member State aimed to be in place by 2018. The roadmaps are voluntary and intended only as guide for Member States to implement plans that better suit their needs. The map proposes the idea of setting up national working groups to consult with all the relevant stakeholders at the national level. It also suggests member states to refer to the Youth Forum's contributions as a resource in implementing their plans for validation of NFE in the youth field.

The Commission informed of the developments regarding the implementation of the validation process and pointed out contributions the Forum made following inputs from National Youth Council member organisations. The draft European Inventory and the European Guidelines on validation of non-formal and informal leaning are expected to be ready in the Spring, for further consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The final publication of both documents is expected to be available by September 2014.