VET-PASS launches European cooperation to advance veterinary specialisation
Brussels - VET-PASS, the European Veterinary Education and Training for Professional Advancement, Specialisation, and Skills network, has formally begun its work following the first Management Committee meeting of COST Action CA25113 in Brussels.
Across Europe, postgraduate veterinary specialisation remains fragmented. Training structures, titles, standards and recognition differ between countries, while reliable, comparable information on available pathways and workforce needs is limited. This makes career planning harder, restricts professional mobility and complicates workforce planning. The consequences extend beyond the profession to animal health and welfare, public health, food safety and Europe’s wider One Health capacity.
Over the next four years, VET-PASS will bring together veterinary faculties, professional associations and chambers, competent authorities, unions, continuing professional development providers, employers and other partners. Its goal is to build a transparent, harmonised and data-driven framework for postgraduate veterinary specialisation across COST member countries.
VET-PASS is not a new regulatory body and will not replace national responsibilities. Instead, it will create the evidence, shared principles and practical tools needed to improve transparency, comparability, quality assurance, career development and recognition across borders.
The work is organised through seven connected Working Groups covering database development, market and workforce analysis, stakeholder collaboration, standardisation, career development, communication and outreach, and educational innovation. Planned outputs include a European knowledge base on specialisation systems and pathways, analysis of workforce needs, stakeholder and career-development resources, guidance on standards and recognition, mentoring support, outreach materials and educational pilots.
“Europe’s veterinary profession needs specialisation pathways that are transparent, comparable and trusted, while respecting national responsibilities,” said Heiko Nathues, VET-PASS Action Chair. “Our ambition is to support harmonised specialisation that can earn mutual recognition from regulators and the confidence of animal owners, clients and society. VET-PASS gives us a unique platform to turn that ambition into practical, evidence-based progress.”
At its inaugural meeting, the Management Committee approved the first Work and Budget Plan, established the Core Group and gave unanimous support to the Action’s leadership. The network is now moving from planning to implementation.
VET-PASS invites public authorities, professional and educational bodies, employers, researchers, early-career colleagues and other stakeholders to engage with the Action. They can contribute expertise and data, participate in Working Groups and events, connect relevant national initiatives, and help ensure that the project’s outputs are practical and widely adopted.
For policymakers and sector leaders, supporting VET-PASS is an investment in a resilient veterinary workforce, clearer career pathways and stronger European cooperation. For veterinary professionals, it is an opportunity to help shape a system in which skills and qualifications are better understood and trusted across borders.
Further information: COST Action CA25113
Contact: heiko.nathues@unibe.ch
About VET-PASS
VET-PASS is COST Action CA25113: European Veterinary Education and Training for Professional Advancement, Specialisation, and Skills. COST Actions support networking and collaboration among researchers, innovators and stakeholders across Europe.