Since its founding in 1975, the Centre has grown into a trusted EU agency, offering robust evidence, analysis, and foresight to inform policy and support lifelong learning, employment, and social inclusion.

From its beginnings in Berlin to its move to Thessaloniki in 1995, Cedefop has remained true to its mission: supporting high-quality, inclusive VET systems and anticipating Europe’s evolving skills and labour needs. In the 1980s and 1990s, Cedefop laid the groundwork for transparency and comparability of qualifications, paving the way for a common European VET framework. This work culminated in the 2000s with the launch of flagship tools such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Europass, empowering learners and workers to navigate a more mobile and integrated European labour market.
Over the decades, Cedefop’s research, forecasts, and policy advice have directly influenced key EU strategies—from the Lisbon and Copenhagen processes to today’s European Skills Agenda. The Centre’s ability to pivot with emerging priorities—whether focusing on lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling, or microcredentials—reflects its agility and enduring relevance.
The 50-year timeline also mirrors broader European transitions: enlargements, economic crises, technological disruptions, and a growing emphasis on equity and green and digital resilience. 
Fifty years on, Cedefop continues to serve as a strategic partner for national and EU stakeholders, offering the VET and skills intelligence needed to shape responsive, future-ready learning ecosystems. Its legacy is one of evidence, agility, and trust, anchoring the past, informing the present, and guiding the future of skills and work in Europe.