On 24 February 2022, representatives of the Council of Europe met with partners from Portuguese education institutions to discuss possibilities for co-operation in the framework of the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) project.

The meeting was an opportunity to exchange information on the EQPR and share experiences regarding the recognition of refugees’ qualifications. Participants also explored the possibility of further cooperation and Portuguese involvement in the project. “The EQPR project could provide a great opportunity to implement a very valuable tool”, stated Ms. Ana Lobo from the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Educational (ANQEP).

Participating organizations also included representatives from the Portuguese High Commission for Migration (ACM), the Directorate General for Higher Education of Portugal (DGES), the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP) and the Portuguese Council for Refugees (CPR). The meeting was moderated by Tereza Matos from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

The key objective of the EQPR project is to provide refugees with the possibility of an assessment of their qualifications that cannot be fully documented with the purpose of enabling them to continue their studies or provide access to the labour market which is crucial for refugees’ integration into their host societies. The EQPR project, piloted in 2017, is currently in its third implementation phase and involves partners from 13 member countries.