The Union of Skills will enhance the EUs human capital to boost competitiveness. As a major initiative in the Commissions first 100 days, it will:
- Enhance basic skills via a pilot scheme;
- Offer lifelong upskilling opportunities;
- Facilitate EU-wide recruitment;
- Attract and retain global talents;
- Build a robust governance structure informed by a European Skills Intelligence Observatory.
This initiative will empower Europeans from school age to retirement, promoting skill portability through free movement of knowledge. Accompanied by an Action Plan on Basic Skills and a STEM Strategic Plan, it aims to improve science, technology, engineering, and maths skills, promoting STEM careers, especially among women, and enhancing digital and clean-tech preparedness.
New targets for 2030
By 2030, the Commission aims to:
- Reduce literacy, mathematics, science, and digital skill underachievement to below 15%;
- Ensure at least 45% of VET students and 32% of higher education students are in STEM fields, with significant female participation;
- Achieve at least 5% enrollment in ICT PhD programmes.
Building a solid foundation through education and training
Education and training are crucial for quality jobs and lives. The Basic Skills Support Scheme will aid those struggling with basic skills through interventions like monitoring and personalized support.
Regular upskilling and reskilling as the new norm
Continuous skill development is vital in evolving economies. The Skills Guarantee pilot will help workers at risk of unemployment transition to new careers.
Helping the free movement of skilled people
The Skills Portability Initiative will enable skill recognition across the EU, promoting digital credentials.
Making the EU a magnet for talent
The Union of Skills will attract and retain global talents with initiatives like the Choose Europe pilot and an EU Talent Pool. A Visa Strategy will support the arrival of top students and researchers.
Strong new governance
The initiative requires collective responsibility, informed by a European Skills Intelligence Observatory. A new European Skills High-Level Board will guide policy makers, ensuring a coordinated vision and bold actions to strengthen human capital.
For More Information
A Union of Skills (Communication)
Skills development, labour and skills shortages – factsheets for all 27 Member States (Cedefop)