Lifelong learning is key to achieving the EU objectives of full employment, enhanced competences, high qualifications and worker mobility, as well as a fairer distribution of income and balance between professional and family life. The ETUC believes this calls for a new approach, with far-reaching reforms of education and vocational training systems to satisfy the needs of individuals, society and the economy. It also requires more cooperation between different actors and new forms of management, information, consultation and participation. In 2002, the European Social Partners signed a framework agreement on promoting lifelong learning.