International conference highlights a successful model for automatic recognition of qualifications
Aurelija Valeikienė, Deputy Director acting as Director of SKVC, participated in the international conference “Third Country Comparison and Micro-credentials as Solutions to Skills Portability & Talent Mobility”, organised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Held during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event brought together around 150 experts in education, qualification recognition and policymaking from 40 countries.
During a panel discussion, A. Valeikienė presented the benefits of the multilateral agreement on the automatic recognition of higher education qualifications between the Baltic States and the Benelux countries, as well as practical experience gained through its implementation. She emphasized that this legally binding agreement reflects a strong political commitment to facilitating mobility and reducing barriers to studying abroad.
The presentation highlighted that the agreement is built on the consistent implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and the reforms introduced through the Bologna Process. Key foundations include national qualifications frameworks, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), the use of Diploma Supplements, and quality assurance in line with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
A. Valeikienė also highlighted the importance of long-standing cooperation between the Baltic and Benelux countries in various formats. The trust developed between their higher education systems became a key prerequisite for introducing automatic recognition of qualifications for the purpose of further study.
The implementation of the agreement is supported by the AR-GO.ONLINE (Automatic Recognition To Go) portal, which provides comprehensive information on the principles of automatic recognition and their practical application.
One of the clearest indicators of the model’s success is the growing interest of other countries in joining the agreement. Poland and Ireland are expected to become parties to the multilateral automatic recognition agreement in the near future. Their accession would further strengthen international cooperation and create more favourable conditions for student and graduate mobility.