Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director of CEDEFOP, emphasized the importance of enhancing employability skills through micro-credentials, highlighting their role in advancing learning pathways and being presented for professional purposes. The main focus was placed on micro-credentials and social inclusion, particularly for disadvantaged learners and workers. “Digital credentialing in Europe and beyond is progressing, and recent developments suggest that micro-credentials will play an even greater role in the years to come.”
Anastasia Pouliou, expert in qualifications and the future of VET, presented CEDEFOP’s work on micro-credentials, the importance of transversal skills and competencies, and key findings from labor market analysis. She stressed the need to explore the diversity of non-formal micro-credentials; the role and importance of quality assurance and recognition, while also addressing best practices, implementation challenges, and future policy directions.
The representatives of the EMPASS consortium presented their work in the education sector and the national impact of micro-credentials. This was followed by an engaging discussion focused on the main challenges related to the implementation and recognition of micro-credentials.
Cosmin Mălureanu - CEO Ascendia
Cosmin Mălureanu, CEO of Ascendia, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in the development and adoption of educational micro-credentials. In an increasingly dynamic labor market, close collaboration between educational institutions, companies, and authorities is essential. Through EMPASS, Ascendia actively contributes to the development of innovative and flexible tools, designed to increase young people's real opportunities on the job market and to provide employers with the assurance of clear and relevant skills.
Joanna Andrzejewska, Program Lead at JA Europe, presented the EmPass micro-credential, highlighting its structure, relevance, and scalability potential. She emphasized the importance of co-creation and industry involvement to ensure it brings real value to learners and future employees. The focus on engaging all key stakeholders—employers, VET institutions, and learners—has been present since the beginning of the assessment's development, serving as a vital community for its validation and adoption.
This collaborative meeting marks an important step in aligning European educational initiatives with the dynamic needs of the labor market, emphasizing youth empowerment, innovation, flexibility, and lifelong learning. The EMPASS consortium acknowledges CEDEFOP’s fundamental role in advancing the understanding, implementation, and recognition of micro-credentials across member states and sees it as a valuable partner in this process.
About Ascendia
Ascendia develops innovative e-learning solutions for various fields, such as education, corporate training, healthcare, and entertainment. Ascendia’s products include LIVRESQ, an e-learning content authoring tool, and CoffeeLMS, a learning management system (LMS) for companies. Ascendia has been listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange since 2016 (symbol "ASC").
About the EMPASS Project
The EMPASS project is coordinated by JA Europe, the largest provider of educational programs in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy in Europe. The project, officially titled “Employment Skills Pass, a Quality Standard for Faster Transition from Education to Employment,” is funded by the European Union (EU) under the Erasmus+ Forward Looking program. It aims to equip young people with the tools and qualifications needed to thrive in today’s dynamic labor market.
Its core product, the EmPass micro-credential, is designed for young professionals and students in vocational education and training (VET), with a clear mission to enhance employability and promote career readiness. This innovative program has been developed through the collaboration of leading institutions, educators, and industry experts.
The consortium includes JA Spain, JA Romania, JA Greece, Zurich Insurance Group, IEDT, IME GSEVEE, IN.E, Ascendia, CEVM, IDS, Manpower Group, Accenture, and WorldSkills Romania.
Despre JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest and leading organization in Europe dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people for success. For over 100 years, JA Worldwide has provided hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
In the last academic year, the JA Europe network, present in over 40 countries, delivered nearly 7 million learning experiences to young people through online, in-person, and blended formats. The organization facilitated 95,581 teaching experiences and 86,533 volunteering and mentoring engagements.
In 2025, JA Worldwide was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize — its fourth nomination in four years.