Supporting businesses and ensuring the quality of services

"From the perspective of the skilled crafts sector, the EU should provide support regarding the transferability of qualifications rather than intervening through legislation. There is no need for further legislative measures. This also applies to the planned development of a common training framework as part of the initiative on the portability of competences.

The number of recognition procedures in the skilled crafts is low and therefore of secondary importance for the mobility of skilled workers. Furthermore, the vast majority of procedures are completed within the prescribed time limit. The sometimes considerable differences in the content of vocational training across the individual Member States also clearly argue against common training frameworks. These would, moreover, create parallel structures in the field of vocational education and training.

The EU should take action where it can contribute added value. Voluntary, digital and interoperable solutions strengthen the skilled crafts sector within the European single market. One example of this is the planned European Social Security Card (ESSPASS), which is intended to simplify the verification and validation of social security entitlements within the European Union. 

Furthermore, national databases – including those from third countries – can be linked at EU level to make qualifications and diplomas more transparent. Finally, the European Labour Authority (ELA), as part of its core remit, offers genuine added value to SMEs and craft businesses when it presents relevant information in a clear and easily accessible manner."