The project of establishing a European community since World War II has been further advanced by adding - besides the four freedoms of free movement of goods, persons, services and capital - a fifth freedom -- the free circulation of researchers, knowledge and technology -- that intends to promote community building at the level of higher…

Since the 1990s, Swiss immigration policies have placed increasing restrictions on non-European Union (EU) immigrants. However, in 2011, based on the initiative of Jacques Neirynck, the Swiss Parliament approved a law facilitating the admission and integration of non-EU nationals with a Swiss university degree. How can this policy openness in…

Young European graduates are crossing borders to work abroad more often than in the past. This trend is particularly evident in Southern Europe, where recent economic downturn has significantly diminished professional opportunities and career prospects. This study will investigate Spain, a country where unemployment has increased dramatically…

The EU has become one of the most prominent promoters of lifelong learning policies. Inside the European single market, EU member states have strong incentives to adopt similar approaches to lifelong learning and recognition of educational attainments in order to foster labour mobility. More surprisingly, countries neighbouring the EU also develop…

The paper aims to contribute to the European education policy literature through an analysis of what I refer to as "discretional policies", which are now instrumentally used by the EU but that have so far been largely overlooked by this literature, and to the literature on transparency of qualifications. The paper argues, first, that the…

This paper describes the programs and services colleges have in place to facilitate student mobility, and documents the main regional and provincial/territorial mechanisms to facilitate transfer of post-secondary credits from one institution to another. Because there are many terms used to describe elements of post-secondary transferability and…

To confront rising unemployment, skills of the labour force must be improved. With the aim to find out how foreign language skills impact employability, a study was carried out, in which 61 undergraduates, 33 master's students and 33 doctoral students from the Latvian University of Agriculture participated. The findings testify that 38% of the…

Analysis of recent trends in European mobility and migration and transnational recognition of qualifications in the health sector indicates no major increase in mobility in the European Union; more complex and fluid migration patterns; and increased competition for highly skilled workers, especially in health care. Fundamental barriers to mobility…

Reviews the history of vocational training policy from the establishment of the European Economic Community in the Treaty of Rome in 1957 to the Treaty of Maastricht, which created the European Union in 1992. Discusses the evolution from a centralized legislative approach to a more user-oriented approach promoting mobility. (Contains 40…

As occupational mobility becomes an increasing focus in the European Union, it is framed by an education and training context rather than a labor-market framework. This context emphasizes acquisition of skills for transnational employment, including foreign language, intercultural competence, and transferable job skills. (SK)

The European Union principle of free worker movement across borders requires thorough knowledge of the language of the country of employment. Multilingualism, including intercultural skills, is a key employment skill that should be acquired early. (SK)

The emergence of the European Union challenges adult education, the aims of which are relevant to the union--peace, democracy, and human rights. Adult education must be made a priority beyond the narrow confines of vocational training. (SK)

Language ability is a holistic competence that encompasses both cognitive and social skills. Second languages are key skills for mobility in the European Union, but given minimal attention. The position of language instruction and teacher training must be strengthened in vocational training. (SK)

Research was conducted in Europe to determine the following: (1) the current situation in the chemicals industry in regard to transparency, recognition, and transfer of qualifications; (2) the obstacles to transparency and recognition of qualifications in the industry; and (3) the key areas for future action and possible measures to promote…

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) moved forward on the four major themes of its medium-term priorities in 2000, which were the following: (1) promoting competencies and lifelong learning; (2) facilitating new ways of learning for a changing society; (3) supporting employment and competitiveness; and (4)…