On April 21-22, 2016, the 26th Annual Conference on "Key Elements of Cooperation and Efforts to Improve the Links between Vocational Higher Education and the Labor Market", was held in Belgrade organized by EURASHE.

Whereas, in recent years, EURASHE has promoted various forms of cooperation between higher education institutions and labor market representatives, as well as its overall importance, emphasizing the benefits of this cooperation for both sides

Discussions were held on these three issues; employment, regional development and innovation, focusing on management, educational aspects of collaboration and the role of different interested parties. Seen as the three pillars of cooperation between vocational higher education institutions and the labor market, different indicators and ways of bilateral engagement were discussed regarding the support and the employment of graduates. There were also discussions held about good practice of cooperation between higher education institutions, business sector and local and regional authorities in contributing to regional development. Finally, talking about the innovations that this cooperation brings, it was concluded that they could open new opportunities of regional development and higher professional education in the Western Balkan countries.

PAAHE in this conference was represented by two specialists who evaluated and brought to light the new and good practices of HE cooperation with the labor market in the EU area. Although no such steps have been taken in our country yet, the cooperation with EURASHE and the practices used by the members of this organization will be very valuable for starting this cooperation in our country.