The Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the establishment of a European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training stated that that Framework should support the implementation of the Common European Principles for the identification and validation of non-formal and informal learning, improving the interrelationship of education, training and employment, and building bridges between formal, non-formal and informal learning.

6. Underlines the need for effective and constructive educational and vocational guidance that is accessible for all to help learners, trainees and workers identify the education and training path that best suits their inclinations and interests; stresses that one of the main causes of structural unemployment is the mismatch between education, training and jobs; regards it as a priority to anticipate skills that will be needed in an effort to ensure that the training available corresponds to the realities of the labour market; recognises that the anticipation of labour market trends can be very useful for all those involved in order to better target their actions and make informed choices; underlines the need to improve and modernise vocational ...[+++] training programmes in order to ensure that skills match the new and increasing demands of companies in sectors likely to ensure quality and sustainable jobs, such as the sectors linked to a sustainable and inclusive economy, environmental transition and information and communication technologies; recalls at the same time that society needs to sustain traditional crafts;

This recommendation should contribute to modernising education and training systems, improving the effectiveness of training by seeking to ensure that people do not leave without qualifications, improving the interrelationship of education, training and employment, building bridges between formal, non-formal and informal learning and expanding the awarding of qualifications on the basis of experience acquired,

4. Reiterates the importance of the role that ICTs play in lifelong learning (for example, distance learning) and of providing greater support for language learning following three lines: development of "1+2" language principle, special language programs for immigrants in order to increase their employability and social integration and finally the policy of learning the language of, and promoting joint training programmes with, neighbouring countries in border areas as it opens them job opportunities;

7. Notes that digital media will not automatically guarantee greater choice, because the same media companies that already dominate the national and global media markets also control the dominant content portals on the Internet, and since the promotion of digital and technical literacy are strategic issues for the development of durable media pluralism, and expresses concern about the switching off of the analogue frequencies in some parts of the Union;

7. Points out that Article 2 of the Agreement explicitly lays down the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses as part of the EBRD's mandate; emphasises the special role of small and medium-sized firms in creating and securing training places and jobs; therefore expects the EBRD to step up its involvement and thereby help to boost the capital base of such firms, especially in Russia, where only 10% of the workforce is currently employed in small ...[+++]and medium-sized firms;