Exploring the Future of VET, AI and EU Funding at the EVBB Policy Camp 2026
INFODEF participated in the EVBB Policy Camp 2026, held in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 29 June to 3 July. Organised by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), of which INFODEF is a member, the event brought together VET professionals, policymakers, project managers and education experts from across Europe to discuss the future of vocational education and training under the theme “Beyond the Bubble: VET, AI & the Future of EU Funding.” The Policy Camp provided a valuable opportunity to explore some of the key issues currently shaping the European VET landscape. Discussions focused on the future of EU funding, the ongoing negotiations surrounding the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in project development, and the implications of these changes for VET organisations and practitioners. One of the highlights of the programme was the discussion on the use of AI in EU-funded projects, including practical sessions on AI-assisted proposal writing and insights from experienced evaluators on how AI-supported applications are assessed. These sessions provided participants with a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into project development processes. The programme also included a full day at Cedefop, where participants explored current European priorities in vocational education and training. Topics covered included vocational excellence, microcredentials, teacher mobility, inclusion in VET, digital skills and the implementation of the Herning Declaration. In addition to the policy discussions, the event offered excellent networking opportunities with VET providers, European institutions, project coordinators and other EVBB members. These exchanges allowed participants to share experiences, discuss emerging challenges and explore potential avenues for future cooperation. Participating in the EVBB Policy Camp enabled INFODEF to stay up to date with current developments in European VET policy, funding priorities and innovation trends, while strengthening its network within the European vocational education community.
Contributing to high-level discussions on skills, innovation and the green transition in Brussels
INFODEF participated in the Brussels High-Level Dialogue on Clean Energy, Agriculture AI, Regional Innovation and Skills, held from 8 to 11 June 2026 in Brussels. Organised within the framework of the ACRID Network (Associated and Candidate Countries Research, Innovation and Development Network), a network focused on strengthening research, innovation and development capacities in EU Associated and Candidate Countries, the event brought together representatives of European institutions, ministries, regional and local authorities, universities, companies, clusters and project consortia to discuss current challenges and opportunities linked to Europe’s green and digital transition. The programme combined high-level policy discussions, project showcases and networking activities aimed at fostering cooperation between the public, private and academic sectors. Participants exchanged experiences, explored common challenges and identified opportunities for future collaboration under European funding programmes. For INFODEF, the event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new contacts and explore future cooperation opportunities under programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and other direct EU funding instruments. As an active partner in several initiatives featured during the event, INFODEF contributed to exchanges related to the Erasmus+ projects ELeVATE, MOBUILDING and SEBCoVE. These projects address key priorities such as vocational excellence, green and digital skills, inclusion, innovation and regional development, closely aligning with the themes discussed throughout the programme. The event also highlighted the importance of connecting project results with policy priorities and fostering collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors to support Europe’s green and digital future. Through its participation, INFODEF continues to strengthen its international network and contribute to initiatives that promote innovation, skills development and sustainable growth across Europe and beyond.
INFODEF participates in the Erasmus+ Week 2026 for Sub-Saharan Africa
INFODEF participated in the Regional Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting and Contact-Making Seminar 2026 for Sub-Saharan Africa, held on 19–20 May in Dakar, Senegal. The event, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), brought together representatives of Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions from Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Erasmus+ National Focal Points, National Agencies, EU Delegations and other key stakeholders. Under the theme “Developing Skills for the Future”, participants explored how Erasmus+ projects are contributing to skills development, employability, innovation and sustainable growth across both regions. Discussions focused on topics such as skills validation, innovation and research, improving teaching competences, and strengthening links between education and the labour market through work-based learning. The event also included networking and contact-making sessions designed to foster new partnerships and future project cooperation between European and African organisations. These exchanges provided valuable opportunities to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore innovative approaches to capacity building in education and training. INFODEF’s participation reinforces its commitment to supporting international cooperation and contributing to the development of high-quality, inclusive and future-oriented education systems. The themes addressed during the meeting are closely aligned with several of the organisation’s ongoing Erasmus+ initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, including projects focused on green skills, vocational excellence, digital transformation and sustainable development (e.g. GreenVET4U, AGREEN Gambia). As Europe and Africa continue working together to address skills gaps and prepare learners for rapidly changing labour markets, events such as Erasmus+ Week play a key role in strengthening collaboration and creating new opportunities for institutions, educators and learners on both continents.
SPACE project receives the European Innovative Teaching Award 2025
We are proud to share that the Erasmus+ project SPACE – Seniors Perceive A Common Europe, in which INFODEF has participated as a partner, has received the European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) 2025 in adult education. Since 2021, the European Commission has been using this award to highlight outstanding teaching practices developed within Erasmus+ projects. Every year, the award focuses on a current educational policy theme. In 2025, the spotlight was placed on education for democracy and civic engagement. The award was granted in Germany in the field of Adult Education and announced on 15 September by the National Agency at BIBB. For the SPACE project, coordinated by VHS Cham (Germany) with partners from Bulgaria, Spain, Sweden and Italy, this recognition is both a celebration and a confirmation of the project’s impact. What is SPACE about? SPACE empowers senior citizens to discover European values and identity through cultural heritage, shared traditions, and intercultural exchanges. It offered non-formal learning experiences ranging from digital activities to hands-on workshops such as baking traditional recipes or working with local crafts. The project encouraged seniors not only to reconnect with their own traditions but also to share them with peers across Europe. The SPACE project has produced a wide set of resources, freely available as Open Educational Resources (OERs): A Handbook with frameworks and best practices for adult educators An Empowerment Course with blended learning materials Over 100 digital exhibits created together with seniors Inspiring Digital Trails showcasing cultural heritage across countries You can explore all of them here: https://thespaceproject.eu/ For INFODEF, being part of a project like SPACE means contributing to a Europe that is closer, more inclusive, and more democratic. This award is a recognition not only of innovative teaching practices, but also of the transformative power of lifelong learning.
Signing ceremony at the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
On June 30 and July 1, INFODEF participated in the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), held in Brussels under the theme “Apprenticeships for the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal.” This edition of the event was particularly meaningful, as it aligned with the launch of two major European Commission initiatives: the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal. Both place skills development and quality employment at the core of Europe’s green and digital transitions. During the Signing Ceremony, INFODEF officially joined the Alliance alongside other new members. The diplomas were presented by Roxana Mînzatu, Deputy Director-General of DG EMPL, in a warm and symbolic moment of commitment to advancing excellence in vocational education and training. The event provided a valuable platform to reflect on the transformative potential of apprenticeships — not only as a tool to boost employability but also to respond to the evolving needs of industry, especially in energy-intensive sectors. Discussions highlighted the importance of work-based learning in equipping learners with green skills and strengthening STEM pathways, as well as the role of apprenticeships in fostering a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable Europe. At INFODEF, we believe that quality apprenticeships are essential to building future-ready professionals. Our membership in EAfA strengthens our position within the European VET Excellence ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to promoting inclusive, innovative, and labour market-relevant training opportunities. Learn more about the European Alliance for Apprenticeships: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/working-together/european-alliance-apprenticeships/about-eafa_en
Empowering VET Excellence in Castilla y León: INFODEF at the IV VET Forum
On April 8–9, INFODEF participated in the IV Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León, held at Valladolid Congress Centre, in Spain. The event brought together regional experts and European policy influencers to discuss the future of vocational training and the critical role of international cooperation in education. INFODEF’S director, Jesús Boyano, joined an engaging roundtable on mobility and internationalisation, sharing insights on how the entity’s involvement in excellence projects reinforces our commitment to modernizing vocational training. His participation underscored INFODEF’s dedication to ensuring that education meets labor market demands while embracing global best practices. The forum featured renowned speakers such as: Rocío Lucas Navas – Education Counselor from the Junta de Castilla y León. Joachim James Calleja – President of EfVET and VET consultant, who presented the new European capacity strategy for vocational training, highlighting emerging opportunities and challenges across EU member states. José Manuel Galvín – Senior Expert in Vocational Excellence at the European Training Foundation, who illuminated international cooperation models, particularly the coordination of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and skills ecosystems. Alicia Gabán – Head of Communications and Projects at EARLALL (European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning). Anastasia Pouliou – Expert in qualifications and credentials at CEDEFOP. Agustín Sigüenza Molina – Director General of FP and Special Regime in Castilla y León. Precisely within the framework of the 4th Vocational Education and Training Forum of Castilla y León, the signing ceremony of the HABITABLE Regional Alliance of Castilla y León took place, with the participation of INFODEF. This event marked a key step in continuing to strengthen a collaborative model around the habitat sector, and it was made possible thanks to the commitment of all partner organizations, as well as those that, through their presence, have actively chosen to join this process. In addition, the forum coincided with the Castilla y León VET Skills 2025 Competition. In this competition, more than 200 vocational students from the region showcased their talents in various categories, including hairdressing, masonry, mechatronics, automotive technology, pharmacy, window display, culinary arts, and renewable energies. Regional winners will now advance to the national competition that will take place in 2026. Notably, the construction competition zone featured the presence of the HABITABLE project – an innovative initiative addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in Europe’s housing sector by developing a Centre of Vocational Excellence in the Habitat area. Alongside other excellence projects like SEBCoVE, GreenVET4U, VET4chains, or GreenCCIrcle, our participation in these initiatives reaffirms INFODEF’s commitment to innovation and the sustainable evolution of vocational training. Fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners is key to harnessing the benefits of vocational training in today’s digital and green economy. The Skills Competition is a great example of collaboration where companies from different sectors partner with the competition organizers to enable the development of the different tasks providing materials and tools, and also evaluating the participant students. This event is an important showcase for young people to closely learn about the professional development options offered by vocational training.
Strategic approach to support mobility of apprentices in the building sector
On April 9–10, the kick-off meeting of the European project MOBUILDING – A strategic approach to support mobility of apprentices in the building sector took place in Valladolid, Spain. Coordinated by INFODEF, the event brought together representatives from ten partner organizations across seven European countries for their first face-to-face meeting. The meeting started with a visit to the 4th VET Forum of Castilla y León and the regional Skills Competition, offering the consortium an opportunity to explore inspiring practices in Spanish vocational education and training. Afterwards, the group convened at the offices of EDUCACYL – Regional Ministry of Education of Castilla y León, where the work plan was presented, and the foundations were laid for the upcoming months. MOBUILDING addresses major challenges facing the building sector in Europe: attracting young talent, increasing the quality and availability of apprenticeship opportunities, and integrating innovative, sustainable practices aligned with the EU Green Deal. While cross-border mobility is crucial to achieving these goals, legal, cultural, and structural barriers still hinder apprentices’ participation. The project seeks to remove those barriers and improve the quality of mobility experiences through three main actions: Identifying challenges and drafting a European Action Plan for apprentice mobility in the building sector. Developing a digital platform to support sending and hosting organizations involved in mobility schemes. Enhancing outreach and engagement with apprentices and employers while ensuring a high-quality learning mobility experience. Through MOBUILDING, INFODEF strengthens its role in promoting inclusive, future-oriented, and international VET systems. Over the next 36 months, this project will help open new learning and employment pathways in a key sector for Europe’s green and digital transition.
Participating in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum at the European Parliament
On November 25–26, 2024, INFODEF participated in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum, organized by the ACRID Network at the European Parliament in Brussels. This prestigious event gathered policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to explore collaboration opportunities and funding pathways for advancing green, digital, and circular technologies across Europe. The forum was a valuable space to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and better understand opportunities within the EU funding landscape. INFODEF contributed by sharing its experience in innovation and sustainability, working alongside partners from academia, industry, and public institutions. During the lunch debate on November 26, Jesús Boyano, INFODEF’s director, contributed to the session “The Role of EU Funding in Enhancing Human Capital Development for Innovation and Technology in EU Candidate Countries”. This debate highlighted the transformative impact of EU funding programs like Horizon Europe on developing skills and fostering innovation in regions such as the Western Balkans and Turkey. This participation marks another milestone in INFODEF’s ongoing efforts to harness the power of networks and collaboration to create a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
INFODEF joins EVBB, the European network for excellence in VET
INFODEF has officially become a member of the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), one of the leading European networks committed to promoting quality and innovation in vocational education and adult learning. Headquartered in Brussels, the EVBB brings together training institutions, universities, associations, and organizations that strive to advance excellence and a strong European dimension in VET. The association works to enhance transnational cooperation, represent the interests of the sector before EU institutions, and support policies that foster inclusive, labour-market-oriented, and future-ready education systems. INFODEF’s membership in this network opens new avenues for international cooperation, participation in strategic discussions on the future of VET in Europe, and involvement in collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the sector. It is also an opportunity to continue advancing in key areas of INFODEF’s work, including sustainability, digital innovation, inclusion, and the excellence in vocational education and training.
New trends in AI and education: INFODEF at the EVBB European policy camp
Our team attended the annual European policy camp titled “AI in Education: From Policy to Practice”, organized by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB). Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing education by creating new learning experiences., and it was a remarkable event to stay up-to-date with industry trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education. This was an excellent opportunity for the INFODEF team to learn about, compare, and evaluate the latest AI advancements and their practical applications in education that could be applied to our own work. In this edition, the program included a variety of sessions addressing key topics at the intersection of AI and education, such as: Panel discussions on the future of AI in education, featuring experts who shared their visions on how AI will transform teaching and learning. Technological innovations in education: Practical workshops where participants explored AI tools designed to personalize the learning experience. Ethics and challenges in the use of AI: Debates on the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings, a critical topic to ensure the responsible development of these technologies. The event featured prominent speakers, including: Angeliki Dedopoulou, Public Policy Manager on AI & Fintech at Meta, who brought a collaborative approach to the development and application of artificial intelligence. Melina Tasiovasilis, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG EMPL, who introduced the issue of adapting VET to AI. Fabio Nascimbeni, Human Capital Development Expert at the European Training Foundation, who managed an interesting workshop about the impact of AI in VET. The event attracted experts and thought leaders from all over Europe to Brussels to showcase the latest products, services and innovations relevant for the AI for education field. The different sessions scheduled allowed all participants to engage in hands-on activities and practical workshops tailored to help participants implement AI solutions effectively in VET settings. Participating in the EVBB event brought INFODEF excellent networking opportunities and offered us valuable insights from top industry leaders, policymakers, and AI experts.