Over 6.1 Million Workers Trained Under the Skills Pact

The 2024 Pacts annual survey reveals that more than 6.1 million people have received training under the Skills Pact. More than 3,200 organizations investing in skills development, including industry, social partners, education and training providers, local authorities, and employment services, have now joined the Pact.

The Pact unites public and private organizations to identify skills gaps and take concrete actions to address them.

The survey also shows that the Pact has accelerated support for workers and companies across the economy. In 2024, members of 20 large-scale partnerships trained 33% of their workforce on average. The Commission has called on members of the Pact to double their pledges for up- and reskilling.

More information is available in our press release.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)

Commission Launches Public Consultation on New Consumer Agenda 2025-2030

Today, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the new Consumer Agenda 2025-2030. This agenda will strengthen consumer protection, support consumers well-being, and promote a level playing field for businesses.

This occurs in the context of tomorrows European Consumer Summit 2025 in Brussels, where Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, will engage with various stakeholders.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, stated: “The digital economy offers many benefits to consumers, and we must ensure they continue to be protected online and have access to safe products. We must also continue with the effective enforcement of our rules. Listening to all stakeholders through the Consumer Summit and the public consultation will provide a solid foundation for our future work.”

Commissioner Michael McGrath, stated: “The Commission is committed to shaping an ambitious consumer policy agenda for the next five years. Strong consumer protection is vital to ensuring a well-functioning, fair, and competitive Single Market. We welcome input from all stakeholders, as their perspectives will be key to addressing future challenges and needs.”

In the margins of the Consumer Summit, the Commission will host the signing ceremony of the Consumer Protection Pledge by two new e-commerce platforms, Miravia and Trendyol. By signing the pledge, these companies will join the ten existing signatories in committing to go beyond legal requirements to protect consumers from unsafe products and to protect their digital consumer rights.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)

Commission Seeks Input on Future Gender Equality Strategy

The Commission has launched an open public consultation to gather views from across society regarding the upcoming Gender Equality Strategy for 2026-2030.

This strategy will set out the vision for gender equality for the next five years and list specific actions to ensure that women and men in all their diversity can reach their full potential.

(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)