To make free movement a reality in the EU, EU citizens must be able to make use of their qualifications to gain access to labour markets and education systems across the EU. In this context, recognition of qualifications is of paramount importance to realise freedom of movement in the EU. This book examines the recognition of qualifications in the EU in-depth by looking into various European-level instruments to see whether the resulting system for recognition is suitable to support mobility for employment or educational purposes. Furthermore, recent years have seen an increase in the level of ambition as far as recognizing qualifications is concerned, meaning this book also examines to which extent the current system for recognition is able to meet such ambitions.

Against this background, the following core research questions are maintained for the book: What instruments on recognition of qualifications exist at the European level and how do they function? Does the resulting system for recognition facilitate free movement while providing legal certainty for those needing recognition or are there lacunae in the system? To which extent is the current system for recognition capable to meet future ambitions for the recognition of qualifications? In answering these questions, the book seeks to provide an encompassing image of the current system for recognition of qualifications at the European level while uncovering whether such system is future-proof and supportive of free movement in different stages of life.

Dr. Lavinia S.J. Kortese is assistant professor in EU law at the Department of International and European Law at the Utrecht School of Law. Her research focuses on the EU internal market and the free movement of persons. In this context, she researches subjects such as recognition of qualifications, student and labour migration, and educational cooperation.