EFCI’s Contribution to the European Commission Consultation on the Future European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training

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On 19 February 2026, the European Cleaning and Facility Services Industry (EFCI) submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training (VET). EFCI’s submission focuses on strengthening qualification systems, improving labour mobility, and aligning vocational training with current technological and labour market developments. 

The contribution identifies four core priorities: 

    • A European Cleaning Skills Card to establish an EU-wide standard for minimum training expectations, facilitating mutual recognition of qualifications, and building on existing national accreditation systems in a cost-effective and practical manner. 
    • Common and credible qualification procedures, including compulsory training and exam-based certification, to improve consistency, quality assurance and reliability in professional standards across Member States. 
    • Accessible and structured training pathways, with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EFCI calls for EU VET funding instruments to better support SMEs and promote equitable access to qualification pathways, including sector-relevant preparation courses and digital training initiatives. 
    • Updated competency frameworks aligned with technological change, through structured and periodic revisions involving social partners and the integration of digital skills training to ensure qualifications reflect evolving market needs. 

Through this submission, EFCI contributes sector-specific expertise to support the development of a coherent, high-quality and future-oriented European VET strategy. 

The full contribution is available here.