In 1991 experts of the Council of Europe and the Language Policy Department decided to construct a practical tool to clearly define objectives which should be carried out at each stage of language learning, and to unify assessment in teaching European languages. This led to establishing theCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching and assessment published in 2001.

The system defines 6 levels of language competence. This division is more and more often used in national syllabuses of teaching foreign languages as well as syllabuses in many professional language schools. Moreover, the boards issuing certificates such as DELF/DALF or TCF have also modified their assessment manners and indicate which system corresponds to which level according to the European Framework.

In November 2001, the Council of Europe officially recommended using the European system among others to make it easier for students to move between European universities without passing exams.