In an era of global displacement, recognising the talents of refugees is both a moral and educational imperative – and one that requires concrete, coordinated action across Europe. The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR), developed by the Council of Europe’s Education Department, has become one of Europe’s most practical tools for turning that principle into action.
Launched in 2017, the EQPR provides a reliable method for assessing refugees’ educational backgrounds even when documentation is missing. It offers a portable statement summarising a person’s qualifications and work experience —designed for use across Europe. It has been growing in scope, extending to 24 countries by 2025. An important threshold of 1000 EQPRs has been reached.
In 2025 the Council of Europe conducted a survey on the use of the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR), gathering responses from 336 passport holders representing more than 40 nationalities. Most respondents came from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Cameroon, representing a highly educated population: 40% hold bachelor’s degrees, 29% master’s, and 8% doctorates.
The survey confirmed that the EQPR is a practical and effective tool for inclusion in higher education and the labour market. According to the findings, 59% of respondents used their EQPR, most often in the country where it was issued. 65% of students said the EQPR directly helped them access higher education, while 59% of employed respondents credited it with improving their job opportunities. Over 60% now work in their original field of qualification, demonstrating the EQPR’s capacity to turn academic recognition into real opportunities.
High satisfaction rates—95% of participants would recommend the EQPR—reflect the programme’s success. The survey also shows that more than 60% of EQPR users in work or study hold a language certificate at B2 level or higher, underscoring how language proficiency reinforces employability and integration.
Despite its achievements, challenges remain: limited awareness among employers and universities, and a need for more targeted guidance on how to use the EQPR effectively.
As Europe continues to respond to ongoing displacement, the EQPR stands as a concrete expression of the principles enshrined in Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)5 on the Recognition of Refugees’ Qualifications and Linguistic Skills in Europe turning recognition into empowerment and helping refugees transform qualifications into a future.
