Strengthening cross-border governance of the education systems of Italy, Albania, and Montenegro

This project was developed to address the need for stronger cooperation and integration between the education systems of the Apulia Region in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro, within the framework of the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 Programme. Its main objective is to overcome coordination challenges and promote mutual recognition of qualifications, laying the groundwork for a more effective and harmonized EQF level 5 education system.

More details

The initiative involves modelling the “Agenda for Work” approach adopted by the Apulia Region, which has been selected as a methodological reference for the participatory design of a joint Action Plan aimed at implementing a future cross-border EQF level 5 education system. This operational model is used to facilitate a territorial focus group structured around three thematic tables: alignment between the S3 strategy and HVET provision, recognition of qualifications, and integration of funding streams. The same model has been adopted by other project partners to conduct local focus groups in their respective countries.

Lattanzio KIBS also supports ARTI in drafting context analyses and recommendation papers, which are validated by local stakeholders during the Apulian focus group session.

Project Impact

The initiative contributes to strengthening educational governance and cross-border cooperation, establishing the foundation for a more robust and mutually recognized shared system. The participatory process fosters the development of concrete operational strategies and a collective commitment to an innovative educational model that is better aligned with the needs of students and territories. The experience gained by ARTI, with the technical support of Lattanzio KIBS, delivers significant impact in terms of strategic vision, institutional capacity, and long-term development of the education systems across the three countries.