The new Declaration represents a strategic evolution from the 2020 Osnabrück Declaration, building on over two decades of European cooperation since the Copenhagen process began in 2002.

“This Declaration arrives at a critical juncture as Europe faces mounting skills shortages while navigating green and digital transitions, and it also represents the continuation of decades of successful European cooperation in VET”, said Jürgen Siebel, Cedefop Executive Director. “Evolving from the Copenhagen process legacy – the Herning Declaration further shifts the paradigm towards VET as the engine that will power Europe’s future competitiveness and social inclusion”.

The timing is particularly significant as the new European Commission has placed lifelong learning and labour market inclusion at the heart of its policy mandate. Building momentum from the Union of Skills initiative and the European Year of Skills legacy, the Declaration emphasises the value of VET and skills across all EU domains.

“I am pleased that we agreed on the need to further improve the quality of vocational education and training. Vocational education is essential both for the green transition and for key functions in the welfare societies across Europe,” said Mattias Tesfaye, Minister for Children and Education of Denmark. “With this declaration, we are taking yet another step in the right direction towards strengthening vocational education and training, ensuring that we will continue to educate highly skilled professionals in the years to come”.