On 4 and 5 November 2025, the Care4Skills consortium gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria, for the project’s 4th transnational partner meeting. Hosted by our Bulgarian partner NASO, the meeting brought together representatives from all member organisations to review progress, share knowledge, and plan the next stages of the project. 

The discussions began with a review of the project’s timeline and key achievements to date. Partners reflected on the successful completion of the first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which reached over 1,500 participants across Europe. Country representatives shared valuable insights on what worked best in their national contexts, from blended learning formats and targeted outreach to the importance of in-person interaction for care workers. 

Partners also explored future care scenarios and personas developed under Work Package 4, engaging in group discussions on how different models could shape the future of the long-term care (LTC) sector in Europe. The exercise highlighted common challenges such as funding gaps, emotional demands, and the need for innovation balanced with human-centred care. 

Looking ahead, the consortium will now focus on the design and piloting of new VET curricula, which aim to strengthen the skills and competences of LTC professionals. Discussions emphasised the importance of clear coordination, partner roles, and communication to ensure smooth implementation. Updates were also shared on the Sectoral Skills Strategy and the ongoing efforts to strengthen communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement through the Long-Term Care Skills Partnership. 

Through this collaborative exchange in Sofia, the partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a resilient, skilled, and future-ready LTC workforce across Europe.