European Commission: A European approach to micro-credentials

The European Commission have just launched a new website on micro-credentials and explains why an European approach is needed. The website outlines the wide-reaching benefits of micro-credentialing and highlights the importance of flexible learning, in addition to providing several reports and approaches in a multitude of languages.

Micro-credentials offer more flexible and modular learning opportunities. Having a European approach will help widen learning opportunities and strengthen the role of higher education and vocational education and training institutions in lifelong learning.

Micro-credentials were announced in the European Skills Agenda, published on 1 July 2020, as one of its 12 flagship actions to support the quality, transparency and uptake of micro-credentials across the EU. They were included in the September 2020 Communication on achieving the European Education Area by 2025 to emphasise higher education’s key role in supporting lifelong learning and reaching out to a more diverse group of learners. They were also included in the September 2020 Digital Education Action Plan.

In her statement European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, stated her intention “to bring down barriers to learning and improve access to quality education”, underlying the relevance of lifelong learning.

Read more and find out the next steps here.