Planning the future activities within SEE VET Net

On 30 October 2025, the South Eastern European Vocational Education and Training Network – SEE VET Net convened in Belgrade for a meeting on Planning the Future of SEE VET Net. Organised by the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe – ERI SEE, the meeting brought together representatives of ministries responsible for vocational education and training, VET and qualification agencies, and chambers of commerce from Western Balkan economies to discuss recent developments in vocational education and training (VET) and to explore directions for the network’s future work.

During the meeting, participants reviewed options for the continuation of the regional cooperation. The discussions also addressed the key aspects of VET reform, including the development of green and digital skills, the digitalisation of teaching and learning materials, and the recognition of prior learning, reflecting emerging needs in regional and international VET cooperation.

Representatives of ministries responsible for vocational education and training (VET), VET and qualification agencies and chambers of commerce from the WB6 were addressed by Ms Alessandra Moltz, of the International Labour Organization who spoke about the Green Agenda and Digital Skills, Ms Vesna Anđelić and Mr Nino Bulić of the Agency for VET and Adult Education, Croatia who addressed the topics of digitalisation of teaching and learning materials and the skills competition in Croatia respectively, and Ms Lisa Rustico of the European Training Foundation who reflected on the EU cooperation in VET.

The overarching purpose of SEE VET Net, coordinated by ERI SEE, is to strengthen links between VET systems and the labour market by promoting work-based learning, and by developing regionally based occupational and qualification standards. These standards aim to support labour-market relevance and enhance mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across the region.

The 30 October meeting in Belgrade provided a space for reassessing the network’s priorities, aligning ongoing project actions with regional needs, and considering future initiatives to support VET systems in South Eastern Europe. Participants emphasised the need for continued regional cooperation, shared learning, and engagement with labour-market partners as SEE VET Net moves into its next phase of work.