From 25 to 27 May 2026, the 12th Baltic National Coordination Points (NCPs) Meeting on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) took place in Kaunas, Lithuania, bringing together representatives of the National Coordination Points from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss recent developments in European and national qualifications frameworks, exchange experiences and achievements from 2025–2026, and explore opportunities for future cooperation among the Baltic States.
During the meeting, participants discussed current developments related to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), as well as the work programme of the EQF Advisory Group for 2026–2027. A separate session was dedicated to updates from the Baltic NCPs.
Lithuanian representatives presented significant reforms in the vocational education sector, including the updating of occupational standards, the development of new vocational education programmes, improvements to the competence assessment system, and the further development of apprenticeship schemes. They also presented a project aimed at adapting vocational education programmes to the requirements of the green and digital transitions.
The Latvian National Coordination Point provided an overview of its activities, organised events, and projects implemented by the Academic Information Centre.
Estonian NCP representatives reported on the ongoing revision of the Estonian Qualifications Framework, the enhancement of vocational education level descriptors, the development of micro-credentials, and the establishment of a new Skills and Qualifications Register.
As part of the meeting, experts from Latvia and Estonia presented their national approaches to the assessment and recognition of qualifications. Participants were introduced to systems for awarding professional qualifications, examination procedures, programme accreditation, and the recognition of non-formal learning outcomes. Particular attention was paid to quality assurance in vocational education and to aligning qualifications with labour market needs.
The programme also included a study visit to the King Mindaugas Vocational Training Centre in Kaunas, where participants learned about the organisation of vocational education, practical training facilities, and the wide range of educational programmes offered across different sectors.
Participation in the Baltic NCP meeting provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in the development of qualifications systems, promote the exchange of knowledge, and gain insights into neighbouring countries’ experiences in vocational education, qualification recognition, and lifelong learning.
