This booklet outlines the 1997 work program of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP). The first section details CEDEFOP's mission, objectives, main tasks, and future as an organization working at the European Community (EC) level to encourage the promotion and development of vocational education and training (VET) and inservice training and to promote exchanges of information and comparison of experience on issues of common interest to the EC member states. Discussed in the second section are the following items on CEDEFOP's 1997 agenda in the following areas: promoting competencies and lifelong learning (studies of the impact of information technology on curricula and qualifications, sector-level approaches to analyzing skill needs, accreditation of prior learning); monitoring developments in the financing, delivery, and improvement of VET in the EC member states; serving European mobility and exchanges; conducting support activities (study visits, support of research cooperation, improvement of the operation of CEDEFOP's existing networks); providing information services; and improving CEDEFOP's efficiency and effectiveness. Appended are the following: summary of principal outcomes and activities for 1997 and projected activities in 1998; lists of publications and meetings foreseen in 1997; budget outline; and CEDEFOP organizational chart for 1997. (MN)