European integration in education of the EQF and National Qualifications Frameworks : challenges and achievements by Malta

Abstract

Europe, through the European Commission and the EU Member States have long recognised education as the key to strengthening the European economy and for promoting social cohesion in society (Green et al, 2003). It was with the Maastricht Treaty, back in the beginning of the 90s that the EU expanded its remit beyond being only an economic agreement. It is for this reason that the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and employment (European Commission, 1993) recognised education and training as part of the responsibilities of the European Union. The European Commission also views education as the cohesive force behind the European social model (European Council, 2000) through which many social problems such as social exclusion, intolerance and racism can be tackled successfully. Education plays a major role in securing an open political system, in achieving civic responsibility, social cohesion and last but not least economic success (Reiterer, 2003). Education gained importance as the relationship between education and the labour market became closer and stronger. More recently, one finds that the publication ‘New Skills for New Jobs’ (European Commission 2010), sets the agenda and core priorities of the European Union with which to anticipate the skills that European citizens and companies will need. In working towards 2020, as the Expert Group Report (European Commission, 2010) highlighted, improving people’s skills is a real ‘win, win’ situation in all aspects: for the economy; for society; for employers; and, of course, for the individuals themselves. The economy benefits through increased productivity and competitiveness as it leads to increased employment and entrepreneurship. Employers experience better business performance and greater profitability. Society benefits through improved health, increased citizen participation, and more social cohesion. Finally, individuals also gain through improved job entry, sustainability, mobility, better work opportunities, more start-ups as well as higher job satisfaction. It has, however, to be kept in mind that preparing people for future jobs requires a future looking education provision. This has resulted in the implementation of reforms in the education and training systems across Europe to achieve better coordination between employment and education policies, not only at national level, but also across the EU Member States and thus European level.