Cedefop News

Italy Adopts New Guidelines for Interprofessional CVET Funds

Italy's Ministry of Labour adopted Directorial Decree No. 8 of January 9, 2026, introducing new guidelines for Joint Interprofessional Funds for continuing vocational training (CVET), replacing the 2018 framework. The updated guidelines establish clearer procedures for fund establishment, operation, financial resource utilisation, and data transmission via the Vocational Training Information System (SI-FP). The new framework strengthens oversight through systemic and expenditure auditing by the labour ministry, with potential expansion of Funds' role in active labour market policies beyond training financing to skill development strategies.

Romania Launches Quality Assurance Mechanism for Vocational Training Work-Based Learning

The National Centre for TVET Development (NCTVETD) developed a comprehensive quality assurance and monitoring mechanism for work-based learning (WBL) in initial vocational education and training (IVET) between June and November 2025. The mechanism includes quality assurance methodology, assessment tools, monitoring visits to company premises, and a four-tier reporting system spanning local, county, regional, and national levels. The mechanism will be piloted in the 2026/27 school year in 840 companies offering WBL, with 420 teachers from 210 IVET providers receiving training from March through June 2026.

Five Scenarios Map Europe's 2040 Learning Futures

Cedefop published research mapping five policy scenarios for European education and training systems by 2040, ranging from 'Flex Max' (highly adaptable, integrated learning ecosystem) to 'Rigid Islands' (stable, standardised systems with limited mobility). The scenarios explore how current policy choices on flexibility, portability, and recognition of learning outcomes will shape the future of lifelong learning across Member States. The report does not predict which future will materialise but invites policymakers to consider what current decisions may already be determining.