ELGPN Short Report 2011-2012

• Download English version of ELGPN Short Report 2011-2012 here

THE PURPOSE OF THIS SHORT REPORT is to communicate the outcomes of the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network (ELGPN) during 2011–12 to relevant policy-makers and stakeholders at both European and national levels. A full report is also available.

The ELGPN represents a major development in support of national lifelong guidance policy development in Europe. The ELGPN currently has 29 member countries (AT, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, FR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR, UK), with 2 additional countries as observers (BE, BG). The participating countries designate their representatives in the Network, and are encouraged to include both governmental and non-governmental representatives. As a Member-State-driven network, it represents an innovative form of the Open Method of Co-ordination within the European Union (EU).

The report describes the work undertaken by ELGPN during 2011–12, including evaluation of its impact at member-country level. Members report that participation in the Network has enriched their awareness of possible responses to common challenges and given them a fresh perspective and new insights into their national provision. A key strength of the Network has been the strong ownership of its activities expressed by the national delegations. The report also analyses relevant policy developments at EU level, and outlines a vision for the future. In particular, it indicates the components of the Europe 2020 Strategy which are relevant to lifelong guidance, including its headline targets and flagship initiatives.