First Partner Meeting of the “EDU5WB” Project Held
The first partner meeting within the Erasmus+ project “EDU5WB – Strengthening Vocational Education and Training at Level 5 in the Western Balkans” was held on March 11 and 12, 2026, in Zagreb.
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacities of institutions for the development and improvement of qualifications at Level 5 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), in line with labour market needs and European standards. Special focus is placed on improving the quality of vocational education and training, strengthening cooperation with employers, and supporting the development of modern and relevant qualifications.
The project coordinator is Obrtničko učilište from Croatia, and the implementation involves partners from several countries, including the Training and Development Institute for Business Operators (IFOA) from Italy and the CHAIN5 network, which brings together stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of EQF Level 5.
Partners from the Western Balkans region include the University of Banja Luka, the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Centre for Vocational Education, and the Secondary School of Economics and Hospitality Bar from Montenegro, as well as the University of Barleti from Albania.
The University of Banja Luka was represented at the meeting by Prof. Milica Balaban, PhD, and Prof. Goran Janjić, PhD.
During the meeting, partners presented overviews of vocational education systems in their respective countries, with a particular focus on the implementation of EQF Level 5. Representatives of the CHAIN5 network presented examples of good practice from European Union countries.
The second part of the meeting was dedicated to planning upcoming activities, including the organization of focus groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. These focus groups will enable the collection of opinions from experts in vocational education and training (VET) and employers, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in implementing EQF Level 5 in the region.
