The EQF is an overarching qualifications framework, which would allow employers to interpret the level of qualifications achieved from any member state of the EU relative to their national systems. This initiative arose in response to requests from member states, the social partners and others for a common reference tool to increase the transparency of qualifications. All member states will have to implement the first phase of this initiative by 2010.

The EQF will facilitate citizen mobility between member states and ensure that citizen's national qualifications get the recognition they deserve when competing for job opportunities. To read more about this initiative, please see the following eumatters pages under 'qualifications'

http://www.eumatters.ie/Ireland-and-the-EU/Education.aspx
and
http://www.eumatters.ie/The-EU-and-You/Students.aspx

Other useful links are as follows:

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
http://www.nqai.ie

European Commission Office Dublin
http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/press_office/news_of_the_day/european-qualifications-framework_en.htm