A two-day workshop titled “The National Qualifications Framework as a Framework for Lifelong Learning” was held in Divčibare on 23–24 February 2026, within the project Increased Offer and Diversification of Accredited Non-Formal Training Courses and Adult Training Providers, funded by the European Union.
The workshop brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, the National Employment Service, the Qualifications Agency, the Institute for the improvement of the Education, and the Institute for Education Quality and Evaluation.
The workshop opened with the first thematic session dedicated to the inclusion of qualifications acquired outside formal education into the National Qualifications Framework of Serbia (NQFS).
During the first day, participants examined the European and comparative context of the development of national qualifications frameworks, with a particular focus on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the common principles on which national systems are based, as well as differences in national approaches. Discussions addressed qualifications acquired outside formal education in the European Union, including professional, sectoral, and partial qualifications, along with key dilemmas from European practice related to their scope, level, links to the labour market, and possible phased approaches to their introduction. A dedicated part of the discussion focused on the current situation in Serbia, through an overview of training programmes implemented on the basis of specific sectoral laws and by-laws.
In the continuation of the first day, a model of the systemic “opening” of the NQFS was presented, in which qualifications were considered as a bridge between the labour market and lifelong learning. This session addressed the improvement and further development of the NQFS structure, as well as the scope, level, and standards of qualifications and their relationship with the labour market and the education system. Special attention was given to procedural improvements, amendments to secondary legislation—including methodologies, procedures, and rulebooks—as well as possible amendments to the Law on the National Qualifications Framework.
On the second day, the focus shifted to challenges in adult education. The work began with a summary of the conclusions from the first day and their consideration within a broader systemic context. A specific segment was dedicated to existing challenges in adult education, including the relationship between formal and non-formal education.
The central part of the second day focused on the concept of a unified adult education system. Discussions addressed a unified approach to programmes based on common standards, the importance of recognition of prior learning and the individualisation of learning pathways, as well as the connection of such a system with the NQFS. Particular emphasis was placed on intersectoral cooperation among ministries, public authorities, and other institutions as a prerequisite for an effective adult education system. Quality was a cross-cutting theme throughout the discussions, with a strong focus on external assessment of learning outcomes and its role in quality assurance.
The workshop concluded with a consideration of legislative and institutional challenges, including a discussion on what is feasible within the existing framework, where the main obstacles lie, and where there is room for rapid systemic progress. The final session was dedicated to summarising key insights and conclusions from the workshop, serving as a basis for further work on improving the qualifications system and adult education in Serbia.