Qualifications must be recognised throughout the EU

11.37.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Sep 2006

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP Liz Lynne

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP Liz Lynne today welcomed new legislation proposing a framework to be set up to ensure non-professional qualifications earned in the UK are recognised throughout the EU.

Liz Lynne who is the Liberal Democrats European Employment spokesperson said "The freedom to work anywhere within member states is one of the founding principles of the European Union but all too often people with non-professional qualifications such as vocational training can face problems getting them recognised.

"Creating a common language for qualifications that employers throughout the EU can understand will make it so much easier for people to get the jobs they deserve.

"This is a great example of how the EU can help to make it easier for its citizens to travel and work in different member states and how it can help to create the conditions which will allow businesses to succeed.

Editor's Note

A European directive recognising professional qualifications was created last year. The European Parliament today approved a report on the European Commission's proposals to create a European Qualifications Framework.

ENDS