The effectiveness of Phare vocational education and training (VET) reform programs conducted in 13 Eastern and Central European countries in 1993-1998 and lessons learned from the programs were examined through a review of information from the following sources: a cross-country analysis on curricular reform; a review of technical evaluation reports on 10 of the 13 countries; and ad hoc interviews with key participants in the programs. The reform efforts were found to have been especially successful in those countries where the national, regional, and local levels had worked jointly to achieve common targets in a complementary top-down and bottom-up approach. The following were among the key lessons learned: (1) countries need time and resources to reflect upon different VET methodologies and adapt them to their own local contexts; (2) local actors should be empowered to develop solutions that work in their specific country contexts and cultures; (3) VET reform should be a combined learning and strategic development process; and (4) VET policies should be embedded within a lifelong learning context. (Ten appendixes detail the main outcomes and findings from Phare VET reform efforts in the following countries: Estonia; Latvia; Lithuania; Poland; the Czech Republic; the Slovak Republic; Romania; Bulgaria; Slovenia; and Albania.) (MN)