European Commission

Presents proposals on individual learning accounts and micro-credentials

European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioners Nicolas Schmit and Mariya Gabriel presented proposals for Council Recommendations on individual learning accounts (ILAs) and micro-credentials, at a press conference, on 10 December.

‘We are coming today with very concrete, emblematic initiatives. They are particularly interesting because they are new, fresh, modern, they concern every European and I think they are easy to understand,’ said Mr. Schinas.

At the Porto Social Summit, in May, an EU-level target of 60% of all adults taking part in training every year by 2030 was set. The proposals aim to help Member States meet this target.

The proposed Council Recommendation asks the Member States together with social partners to:

• set up ILAs and provide training entitlements for all adults of working age;
• define a list of labor-market-relevant and quality-assured training that is eligible for funding from the ILAs and make it accessible through a digital registry;
• offer opportunities for career guidance and validation of previously acquired skills, as well as paid training leave.

The Commission proposal also seeks to make micro-credentials work across institutions, businesses, sectors, and borders. To that end, Member States should agree on:

• a common definition of micro-credentials;
• standard elements for their description; and
• key principles for their design and issuance.

A current Cedefop project looks at the potential of micro-credentials and the topic was extensively discussed at a recent conference.