The aim of the MoU is to maximise synergies which can benefit both Agencies and their stakeholders. It will also help the agencies to avoid any potential duplication of activities in the fields of similar interest, and enable the agencies to learn from each other and transfer good practices.
Cedefop and ELA recognise that they have distinct but related mandates, tasks and objectives, in the fields of vocational education and training (VET), skills, qualifications, EU labour mobility and social security coordination respectively. Therefore, their structured cooperation would allow them to deliver greater added value to the EU, its Members States, social partners and the world of education and work.
Following the signing ceremony, which took place at Cedefop's seat in Thessaloniki, Greece, commenting on the MoU between the two Agencies, Cedefop Executive Director Jürgen Siebel noted that
'this memorandum is important because it establishes specific processes and structures that will allow both of us to get the most out of our partnership and to deliver more to our stakeholders than the sum of our individual contributions, long term.'
ELA Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu highlighted that
‘he is very happy to sign this memorandum of understanding with Cedefop. It is one of the oldest EU Agencies and closely related to the work field of ELA. This MoU is a first step to closer cooperation between the Agencies and complementing each other’s work. I look forward to engage closely with each other and start transposing this MoU into practical cooperation activities.’