Relating language curricula, tests and examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference (RELANG)

Local organisers: Libor Štěpánek, Masaryk University Language Centre

ECML experts: Waldemar Martyniuk (Poland), Jana Bérešová (Slovak Republic)

Participants: 23 language teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, language testers, policymakers

Masaryk University Language Centre was proud to host a national training workshop within the RELANG initiative, a joint action between the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) and the European Commission, implemented under the cooperation agreement on Innovative Methodologies and Assessment in Language Learning.

Held in Brno from 1-3 September 2026, the workshop brought together language teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, language testers and other professionals involved in language education. Led by internationally recognised ECML experts, Jana Bérešová (Slovakia) and Waldemar Martyniuk (Poland), the training offered a highly practical opportunity to explore how the Companion Volume to the CEFR can support assessment and some learning practices.

Participants worked hands-on with CEFR descriptors, developed tasks for reading, listening, writing and speaking, and explored assessment criteria, rating scales and alternative assessment. The workshop also addressed the action-oriented approach, learner autonomy, mediation, social agency and plurilingualism, translating these principles into tangible assessment and some learning practices.

The workshop strengthened expertise in CEFR-aligned teaching and assessment and laid the foundations for a sustainable train-the-trainer model in Czechia. Participants will continue sharing and applying their learning through further workshops, seminars and professional activities.

RELANG offers a valuable opportunity for language education professionals to develop expertise, exchange experience and contribute to fairer, more coherent and innovative language education across Europe.

Libor Štěpánek, local organiser, 7 September 2026

Dedicated ECML website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2026 “Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning”

Local organisers: Katerina Vladimirou, Chrysanthi Nicodemou-Pasiardi, Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth

ECML experts: Karine Dekeukelaere (Belgium), Gábor Szabó (Hungary)

Participants: 30 language teachers, inspectors, curriculum developers, examination designers, language trainers and assessment specialists

The RELANG workshop, held in Nicosia from 24 to 26 June 2026, attracted great interest, demonstrating the demand for high-quality professional development in CEFR-aligned language assessment. Organised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth in cooperation with the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) of the Council of Europe, the workshop focused on Relating Language Curricula, Tests and Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference (RELANG) and delivered Modules 2 (Constructing valid language tests and examinations based on the CEFR and its Companion Volume) and Module 3 (Relating existing language tests and examinations to the CEFR and its Companion Volume) of the RELANG initiative.

The workshop brought together language teachers, inspectors, curriculum developers, examination designers, language trainers and assessment specialists from various language disciplines to strengthen expertise in CEFR-aligned language assessment. Led by ECML experts Gábor Szabó and Karine Dekeukelaere, the workshop combined theoretical input with practical collaborative activities focusing on test specifications, task design, rating scales, standard setting and the interpretation of assessment data.

Over the three days, participants explored practical approaches to aligning curricula, teaching and assessment with the CEFR and its Companion Volume, together with ways of ensuring that language examinations are valid, reliable and transparent. The workshop also promoted the exchange of expertise among professionals from different language departments, fostering a shared understanding of quality language assessment.

The workshop significantly enhanced participants' assessment literacy and strengthened national capacity for developing CEFR-aligned language tests and examinations. It also established a strong community of professionals who will act as multipliers and test/examination designers supporting the continued improvement of language assessment practices and quality language education in Cyprus.

Katerina Vladimirou and Chrysanthi Nicodemou Pasiardi, local organisers, 7 July 2026

Dedicated ECML website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2026 “Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning”

ECML-EC training workshop for Belgium

Local organiser: Fauve Van den Berghe, Department of Education & Training (Flemish Government)

ECML experts: José Noijons (the Netherlands), Gabor Szabo (Hungary)

Participants: 29 teachers and teacher trainers

During the RELANG training workshop on 20-21 November 2025, participants learned how to link descriptors for different skills to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The workshop also covered how to create valid tasks for receptive and productive skills for different CEFR levels. The workshop may be useful for teachers, language coordinators, educational supervisors, teacher trainers, test developers, etc.

More information about RELANG can be found here, along with a number of interesting ECML materials. Subscribe to the ECML's European Language Gazette for fascinating facts and activities related to language teaching.

Fauve Van den Berghe, local coordinator, 16 December 2025

ECML project website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2025 "Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning"

The European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe together with the European Commission are launching a new round of workshops within the joint action on Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning focusing on the following initiatives:

• ICT-REV – Using ICT in support of language teaching and learning
• RELANG – Relating language curricula, tests and examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference
• Supporting Multilingual Classrooms

The activities are scheduled to take place between March and mid-December 2026, the three initiatives offering a total of 20 national workshops during this period.

The call is open to current European Union member states and the additional member states of the ECML until 9 January 2026.

For further information, please contact Adelina Rosca-Birnstingl ([email protected]), the ECML-EC cooperation agreement coordinator.

Local organiser: Maria Arapopoulou, Centre for the Greek Language

ECML experts: Rita Jukneviciene (Lithuania), Gabor Szabo (Hungary)

Participants: 24 language testers and examiners, item writers, teachers and teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers

The RELANG training workshop held in Thessaloniki on 11 - 13 November 2025 brought together language testers, examiners, and educators from key national and international institutions involved in the Certification of Attainment in Greek. Organised by the Centre for the Greek Language in cooperation with the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML) and the Hellenic Ministry of Education, the workshop focused on strengthening the connection between curricula, teaching, and assessment through the CEFR and its Companion Volume.

Participants engaged with practical approaches to designing and evaluating CEFR-aligned test tasks, with particular emphasis on valid, reliable, and inclusive assessment practices for learners of Greek as a second or additional language. The event also showcased ECML resources and developments , such as RELANG guidelines, CEFR-based tools, and examples of successful implementation, which help ensure high-quality language education across Europe.

The workshop provided a comprehensive, systematic, and coherent training programme that covered all stages of the assessment and examination process, offering highly valuable insights for teaching practice too. Participants highlighted its clarity, practical orientation, and strong relevance to real testing contexts. Their active engagement reflects a growing commitment to high-quality, CEFR-informed language education, taking into account the local context. By benefitting from the RELANG national training workshops, ECML and EU member states gain access to advanced expertise, practical tools, and a vibrant European network dedicated to promoting shared standards, strengthening assessment literacy, and supporting fair, transparent, and reliable language certification for all learners.

Maria Arapopoulou, local coordinator, 26 November 2025

ECML project website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2025 "Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning"

Local organiser: Gudrun Smuha, Directorate General for Secondary Education II

ECML experts: José Noijons (the Netherlands), Karine Dekeukelaere (Belgium)

Participants: 24 language testers and examiners, teachers and teacher trainers, curriculum developers

From 7 to 9 October 2025, the canton of Geneva hosted a RELANG workshop, organised jointly by the Council of Europe's European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) and the Directorate General for Secondary Education II. This training workshop brought together professionals involved in language teaching and assessment at all levels of education in Geneva, as well as from the Teacher Training Institute.

This unique event provided an opportunity to explore the ethical and educational foundations of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its Companion Volume. Participants discussed key issues: the cultural approach to other languages and countries, communication as a vehicle for mutual understanding, and the fairness and validity of language assessments.

In practical terms, the three days-workshop provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of the CEFR descriptors, compare current assessment practices and design assessment tasks. The remarkable expertise of the ECML experts makes this training workshop a real lever for new cantonal initiatives.

The workshop reaffirms the central role of language learning in building citizenship and social cohesion, celebrating linguistic diversity as a shared asset.

Gudrun Smuha, local coordinator, 14 November 2025

ECML project website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2025 "Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning"