Introduction

Developing policy instruments for education in the EU: the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning

“…At the same time, the economic rationale in the Lisbon agenda is accompanied with emphasis on social cohesion, suggesting a dual focus (Borrás & Jacobsson, 2004;Gornitzka, 2007;Holford & Mleczko, 2013;Rodrigues, 2002). It has been argued that this dual focus regarding economic rationales and social cohesion, as well as emphasis on lifelong learning has replaced the traditional focus on vocational training in the EU (Cort, 2009;Saar, Ure, & Holford, 2013).…”

“…While lifelong learning has become consolidated as a policy aim at the European level, national definitions of the concept vary considerably. For example, in some cases lifelong learning is linked to a narrowly defined employability agenda (Saar et al, 2013).…”