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            DECISION No 2241/2004/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL         

of 15 December 2004         

on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 149 and 150 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject-matter and scope

This Decision establishes a single Community framework for achieving the transparency of qualifications and competences by means of the creation of a personal, coordinated portfolio of documents, to be known as ‘Europass’, which citizens can use on a voluntary basis to better communicate and present their qualifications and competences throughout Europe. The use of Europass or of any of the Europass documents shall not impose any obligations or confer any rights other than those defined in this Decision.

Article 2

Europass documents

The Europass documents shall be:

Article 3

Social partners

Without prejudice to the procedure referred to in Article 4(2), the Commission shall consult the social partners and other relevant stakeholders at European level, including education and training bodies.

Article 4

Committee procedure

1.   For the purposes of Article 2(c), the Commission shall be assisted, depending on the nature of the document concerned, by the Socrates Committee and/or by the Leonardo Committee, established by Decision No 253/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 January 2000 establishing the second phase of the Community action programme in the field of education ‘Socrates’ (17) and by Council Decision 1999/382/EC of 26 April 1999 establishing the second phase of the Community vocational training action programme ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ (18) respectively.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

Article 5

Europass-CV

The Europass-CV shall provide citizens with the opportunity to present in a clear and comprehensive way information on all their qualifications and competences. The Europass-CV shall be as set out in Annex II.

Article 6

Europass-Mobility

The Europass-Mobility shall record periods of learning attended by its holders in countries other than their own. The Europass-Mobility shall be as set out in Annex III.

Article 7

Europass-Diploma Supplement

The Europass-Diploma Supplement shall provide information on its holder's educational achievements at higher education level. The Europass-Diploma Supplement shall be as set out in Annex IV.

Article 8

Europass-Language Portfolio

The Europass-Language Portfolio shall provide citizens with the opportunity to present their language skills. The Europass-Language Portfolio shall be as set out in Annex V.

Article 9

Europass-Certificate Supplement

The Europass-Certificate Supplement shall describe the competences and qualifications corresponding to a vocational training certificate. The Europass-Certificate Supplement shall be as set out in Annex VI.

Article 10

Europass in the Internet

In order to implement this Decision, the Commission and the relevant national authorities shall cooperate in setting up and managing a Europass Internet-based information system, which shall include elements managed at Community level and elements managed at national level. The information system supporting the Europass framework shall be as set out in Annex VII.

Article 11

National Europass Centres

1.   Each Member State shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision at national level. For this purpose, each Member State shall designate a National Europass Centre (NEC), which shall be responsible for the coordination at national level of all activities referred to in this Decision and which shall replace or develop, where appropriate, existing bodies currently carrying out similar activities.

A European network of NECs is hereby established. Its activities shall be coordinated by the Commission.

2.   The NEC shall:

3.   The NEC shall act as an implementation body at national level in accordance with Article 54(2)(c) and (3) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 12

Commission's and Member States' joint tasks

The Commission and the Member States shall:

Article 13

Commission tasks

1.   The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, ensure the overall consistency of the actions implemented in pursuance of this Decision with other relevant Community policies, instruments and actions, in particular in the fields of education, vocational training, youth, employment, social inclusion, research and technological development.

2.   The Commission shall secure the expertise of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) in implementing this Decision, in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 337/75. Subject to the same conditions and in the relevant areas, coordination shall be established under the auspices of the Commission with the European Training Foundation as set out by Regulation (EEC) No 1360/90.

3.   The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council, as well as other relevant bodies, and in particular the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training, on the implementation of this Decision.

Article 14

Participating countries

1.   Participation in the activities referred to in this Decision shall be open to acceding States and to non-Community countries of the European Economic Area in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA Agreement.

2.   Participation shall also be open to the candidate countries for accession to the European Union in accordance with their respective Europe Agreements.

Article 15

Evaluation

By 1 January 2008 and then every four years, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an evaluation report on the implementation of this Decision, based on an evaluation carried out by an independent body.

Article 16

Financial provisions

The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. The expenditure resulting from this Decision shall be managed as set out in Annex VIII.

Article 17

Repeal

Decision 1999/51/EC is hereby repealed.

Article 18

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2005.

Article 19

Addressees

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Strasbourg, 15 December 2004            

For the European Parliament

The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES            

For the Council

The President

A. NICOLAÏ            

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(1)OJ C 117, 30.4.2004, p. 12.

(2)OJ C 121, 30.4.2004, p. 10.

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 22 April 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 21 October 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Position of the European Parliament of 14 December 2004 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(4)OJ C 371, 23.12.2000, p. 4.

(5)OJ L 215, 9.8.2001, p. 30.

(6)OJ C 162, 6.7.2002, p. 1.

(7)OJ C 163, 9.7.2002, p. 1.

(8)OJ C 13, 18.1.2003, p. 2.

(9)OJ L 79, 22.3.2002, p. 66.

(10)OJ L 17, 22.1.1999, p. 45.

(11)OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1655/2003 (OJ L 245, 29.9.2003, p. 41).

(12)OJ L 131, 23.5.1990, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1648/2003 (OJ L 245, 29.9.2003, p. 22).

(13)OJ L 5, 10.1.2003, p. 16.

(14)OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

(15)OJ 63, 20.4.1963, p. 1 338.

(16)OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

(17)OJ L 28, 3.2.2000, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 885/2004 (OJ L 168, 1.5.2004, p. 1).

(18)OJ L 146, 11.6.1999, p. 33. Decision as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 885/2004.

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ANNEX I

Criteria for the introduction of new Europass documents as referred to in Article 2(c)

All new Europass documents should respect the following minimum criteria:

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ANNEX II

THE EUROPASS-CURRICULUM VITAE (EUROPASS-CV)

1.   Description

2.   Common structure of the Europass-CV

In the box below, the model for the structure and text of the Europass-CV is indicated. The layout of both the paper and the electronic form, as well as modifications of the structure and text, will be agreed between the Commission and the competent national authorities.

Text in italics is meant as an aid to completing the document.
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(Europass logo)EUROPASS-CURRICULUM VITAEPERSONAL DATAIndividual citizens can choose which field to completeName SURNAME, other name(s)Address House number, street name, postcode, city, countryTelephoneFaxE-mailNationalityDate of birth Day, month, yearSexOCCUPATIONAL PROFILEWORK EXPERIENCEDates (from – to) Add separate entries for each relevant post occupied, starting with the most recent.Name and address of employerType of business or sectorOccupation or position heldMain activities and responsibilitiesEDUCATION AND TRAININGDates (from – to) Add separate entries for each relevant course you have completed, starting with the most recent.Name and type of organisation providing education and trainingPrincipal subjects/occupational skills coveredTitle of qualification awardedLevel in national classification (if appropriate)PERSONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCESAcquired in the course of life and career but not necessarily covered by formal certificates and diplomas.Mother tongue:Other languages:UnderstandingReading: Indicate level: see instructions.Listening: Indicate level: see instructions.SpeakingConversation: Indicate level: see instructions.Presentation: Indicate level: see instructions.Writing: Indicate level: see instructions.Social skills and competencesLiving and working with other people, in positions where communication is important and situations where teamwork is essential (for example culture and sports), in multicultural environments, etc.Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Organisational skills and competencesCoordination and administration of people, projects and budgets; at work, in voluntary work (for example culture and sports) and at home, etc.Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Computer skills and competencesWord processing and other applications, database searching, acquaintance with Internet, advanced skills (programming etc.).Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Technical skills and competencesWith specific kinds of equipment, machinery, etc. other than computers.Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Artistic skills and competencesMusic, writing, design, etc.Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Other skills and competencesCompetences not mentioned above.Describe these competences and indicate where they were acquired.Driving licence(s)State here whether you hold a driving licence and if so for which category of vehicle.Additional informationInclude here any other information that may be relevant, for example contact persons, references, etc.AnnexesList any attached annexes.

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ANNEX III

THE EUROPASS-MOBILITY

1.   Description

2.   Common format of the Europass-Mobility

In the box below, the structure and the text of the Europass-Mobility are indicated. The layout of both the paper and the electronic forms, as well as modifications of the structure and text, will be agreed between the Commission and the competent national authorities.

Each item of text is numbered, to facilitate its retrieval in a multilingual glossary. Text in italics is meant as an aid to completing the document. Fields marked with a star (*) are not compulsory.
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(Europass logo)EUROPASS-MOBILITY(1) This Europass-Mobility is awarded to(2) first name and surname of the holder(3) by(4) organisation responsible for organising the learning initiative in the country of provenance(5) on date dd/mm/yyyy(6) Signature/stamp (signature and stamp of the organisation awarding the document)(7) PERSONAL DATA ON THE HOLDER(8) Surname(9) First name / Other names(10) Signature(11) * Address House number, street name, postcode, city, country(12) * Contact e.g. e-mail, telephone(13) * Date of birth dd/mm/yyyy(14) * Nationality(15) * Space for photograph(16) EUROPEAN LEARNING PATHWAY(17) Education or training initiative followed in the course of which the European pathway was completed(18) * Qualification diploma, title or other certificate to which the learning initiative leads, if any(19) Duration of the European pathway(20) From dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy(21) Details of the host partner(22) Name and function of the mentor(23) Content of the European pathway.(24) This section should provide relevant details, as appropriate, of the education or training followed or the work experience acquired during the European pathway and, where appropriate, the skills and competences acquired and the method of assessment.(25) The description should highlight how the European pathway improved:the acquaintance of the holder with the technical skills and competences specifically related to the particular subject field of his/her education or training initiative;the holder's language skills;the holder's social skills and competences, including in particular those relating to intercultural experiences;the holder's organisational skills and competences;any other skills and competences of the holder.(26) Signatures of the host partner and the holder.

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ANNEX IV

THE EUROPASS-DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENT

1.   Description

2.   Common structure of the DS

In the box below, the common, non-binding model of structure and text of the DS is indicated. The layout of both the paper and electronic copies will be agreed with the competent national authorities.
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(Europass logo)DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENT1. Information identifying the holder of the qualification1.1/1.2 Family Name / First Name:1.3 Date, Place, Country of Birth:1.4 Student Number or Code:2. Information identifying the qualification2.1 Name of Qualification (Full, Abbreviated):Name of Title (Full, Abbreviated):2.2 Main Field(s) of Study for the Qualification:2.3 Name of Institution Awarding Qualification:2.4 Name of Institution Administering Studies:2.5 Language(s) of Instruction/Examination:3. Information on the level of the qualification3.1 Level of Qualification:3.2 Official Length of Programme:3.3 Access Requirement(s):4. Information on the contents and results gained4.1 Mode of Study:4.2 Programme Requirements:4.3 Programme Details:4.4 Grading Scheme, grade distribution guidance4.5 Overall Classification:5. Information on the function of the qualification5.1 Access to Further Study:5.2 Professional Status:6. Additional information6.1 Additional Information:6.2 Additional Information Sources:7. Certification of the supplementThis Diploma Supplement refers to the following original Documents:Official stamp or seal:8. Information on the national higher education system:8.1 Types of Institutions and Institutional Control:8.2 Types of programmes and degrees awarded:8.3 Approval/Accreditation of Programmes and Degrees:8.4 Organisation Studies:8.4.1 Integrated ”Long” (one-Tier-) Programmes: (Diploma degrees, Magister Artium, Staatsprüfung):8.4.2 First/Second Degree Programmes (Two-tier): (Bakkalaureus/Bachelor - Magister /Master degrees):8.5 Specialised Graduate Studies:8.6 Doctorate:8.7 Grading Scheme:8.8 Access to Higher Education:8.9 National Sources of Information:

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ANNEX V

THE EUROPASS-LANGUAGE PORTFOLIO

1.   Description

2.   Common structure of the Language Passport section of the LP

In the box below, the common, non-binding model of structure and text of the Language Passport section of the LP is indicated. The layout of the paper and electronic copies will be agreed with the competent national authorities.

(Europass logo)

LANGUAGE PASSPORT

Profile of Language Skills
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Mother tongue(s): [indicate]Language:WritingSpoken interactionSpoken productionReadingListeningSelf-assessment(To be repeated as many times as necessary.)

Summary of language learning and intercultural experiences
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Language learning and use in country/region where the language is not spokenLanguage:Up to 1 yearUp to 3 yearsUp to 5 yearsOver 5 yearsPrimary/ secondary/ vocational educationHigher educationAdult educationOther coursesRegular use in the workplaceRegular contact with speakers of the languageOtherFurther information on language and intercultural experiences:(To be repeated as many times as necessary.)
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Stays in a region where the language is spokenLanguage:Up to 1 monthUp to 3 monthsUp to 5 monthsOver 5 monthsUsing the language for study or trainingUsing the language at workOtherFurther information on language and intercultural experiences:
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Certificates and diplomasLanguage:Level:Title:Awarded by:Year:(To be repeated as many times as necessary.)

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ANNEX VI

THE EUROPASS-CERTIFICATE SUPPLEMENT

1.   Description

2.   Common structure of the CS

In the box below, the common model of structure and text of the CS is indicated. The layout of both the paper and the electronic form will be agreed, as well as any modifications of the structure and text, between the Commission and the competent national authorities.
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(Europass logo)CERTIFICATE SUPPLEMENT1. Title of the certificate (in the original language):2. Translated title of the certificate (this translation has no legal status):3. Profile of skills and competences:4. Range of occupations accessible to the holder of the certificate (if applicable):5. Official basis of the certificateName and status of the body awarding the certificate:Name and status of the national/regional/sectoral authority providing accreditation/recognition of the certificate:Level of the certificate (national or international):Grading scale / Pass requirements:Access to next level of education/training:International agreements:Legal basis of the certificate:6. Officially recognised ways of acquiring the certificate:(A) Description of vocational education and training received:School-/training centre-based:Workplace-based:Accredited prior learning:(B) Percentage of total programme (%):(C) Duration (hours/weeks/months/years):Total duration of the education/ training leading to the certificate:Entry / access requirements:Additional information:Further information (including a description of the national qualifications system) available at: www.

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ANNEX VII

INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Commission and the Member States will cooperate to ensure that the individual citizens are allowed to complete, through the Internet, their Europass-CV and any other Europass document which does not need to be issued by authorised bodies.

All Europass documents issued by authorised bodies are completed in electronic form and made available to their holders. While choices concerning the appropriate technological instrument should be made in cooperation by the Commission and the relevant national authorities taking into account the state of the art and the existing national systems, the features listed below should be ensured.

1.   Design principles

Open system. The Europass information system should be developed taking into account the opportunity for future developments, with particular reference to the inclusion of further documents in the Europass framework and to integration with information services on job and learning opportunities.

Interoperability. The parts of the Europass information system managed at national level in the different countries should be fully interoperable with each other and with the parts managed at Community level.

2.   Document management and access

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ANNEX VIII

FINANCIAL ANNEX

1.   

The expenditure is intended to co-finance implementation at national level and to cover certain costs incurred at Community level in relation to coordination, promotion and production of documents.

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