Listening to stakeholders to shape the future of guidance in Europe
The Euroguidance Network Stakeholder Survey marked an important milestone for the Network, offering a comprehensive reflection on its strategic role, impact and future direction within the European lifelong guidance landscape. At its core, the process was about listening carefully to those who engage with Euroguidance - practitioners, policymakers, researchers and partners - and using their insights to inform the network’s development.
The evaluation was carried out by the external research team from Romania together with the Euroguidance Evaluation Group of 10 Euroguidance centres across Europe, following a three-phased approach that combined wide reach with depth of reflection. The first phase consisted of a Europe-wide online survey conducted at the end of 2025. This was followed by three focus group discussions with international and national stakeholders in spring 2026, allowing for richer qualitative insights into expectations, experiences and future needs. The process concluded with a dedicated reflection workshop during the Euroguidance Network meeting in Cyprus, where initial findings were discussed collectively to support the meaningful use of results.
More than 1,200 stakeholders contributed to the survey, including a strong majority of practitioners (65%), alongside managers, researchers and trainers. Participants represented 37 countries as well as key international organisations such as Cedefop, the European Training Foundation and the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance. This broad engagement underlines both a shared commitment to strengthening guidance and the recognised importance of Euroguidance within the wider ecosystem of lifelong learning, employment and career guidance in Europe.
Strong value and clear impact
Findings from the first survey phase confirm the high value stakeholders place on Euroguidance activities. Overall relevance is rated very positively, with 87% of respondents finding activities relevant and a recommendation index reaching 91%. Knowledge gain is reported by 91% of participants, while 81% state that their involvement with Euroguidance has contributed directly to service improvement in their work context. Stakeholders value most the access to up-to-date information on European developments in guidance, practical tools and resources, opportunities for professional development, and networking and peer exchange at European level.
Looking ahead, stakeholders express clear expectations for the future direction of the network. Investment in emerging trends and innovation is strongly prioritised, while there is also a consistent call for a broad and balanced portfolio. This includes inclusive and responsive guidance practices, a strong international dimension, and solid professional foundations for career guidance as a field.
“Access to up-to-date resources and best practices in career counselling - and a small group of European peers we now exchange with regularly.”
More depth, more continuity
While appreciation of Euroguidance activities is high, stakeholders are equally clear in calling for more. More training opportunities, more learning mobility, more networking spaces and communities of practice, and - importantly - greater continuity over time, rather than one-off initiatives.
Professional learning mobility stands out as the most concrete and repeatedly emphasised expectation. The research shows that international learning experiences are perceived as particularly powerful for professional growth. Notably, participation in the Academia programme is often cited as transformative, with many participants explicitly expressing the wish to take part again.
“Online workshops are good, but participating in the Academia programme was much, much better - more helpful, more inspiring.”
A strategic role in community building
Insights from the stakeholder interviews highlight Euroguidance’s strategic role as a community builder. International organisations and national experts from universities, ministries, professional associations and national forums emphasised the importance of ensuring that the practitioner voice is present at all levels of development - from policy discussions to the design of tools and activities.
Across stakeholder groups, there is a shared recognition that the survey results confirm the positive impact of the network and validate the work carried out so far. At the same time, they call on Euroguidance to extend its reach, enabling more people to benefit from its activities and strengthening the guidance community across Europe accordingly.
Recommendations emerging from the evaluation are clustered around six thematic areas: knowledge sharing, competence development, European policies and instruments, visibility of career guidance, the guidance profession and community, and collaboration and partnerships.
Listening, learning and evolving
Through this extensive stakeholder evaluation, the Euroguidance Network reaffirms its commitment to listening, learning and evolving. Stakeholder voices are not an add-on but a central driver of strategic choices. By grounding its future priorities in these insights, Euroguidance strengthens its role as a trusted, connecting and forward-looking network - supporting the development of quality lifelong guidance across Europe.
NB! The final report of the study will be published on our website soon.
Authors: Eva Baloch-Kaloianov and Margit Rammo
Photo credit: © Euroguidance Cyprus / Michael Demetriades – Romanian research team and evaluation group representatives from Austria, Malta and Estonia.
