The European Commission has unveiled the Union of Skills, a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle significant labour and skills shortages affecting multiple sectors within the EU. This initiative builds upon existing frameworks such as the skills agenda, the European education area, and the European research area, aiming to reinforce goals outlined in the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Preparedness Union Strategy.

The Union of Skills focuses on four key strands to ensure individuals across Europe are equipped with solid skill foundations and opportunities for lifelong upskilling and reskilling. Notably, the initiative seeks to attract, nurture, and retain talent to support Europe’s future innovation, sustainable growth, and competitiveness.    

As part of this strategy, the Commission will reinforce the Pact for Skills to assist more workers in acquiring new skills in strategic sectors. This includes enhancing skills intelligence, supporting initiatives like Large-scale skills partnerships and EU skills academies, and streamlining programmes such as the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and Centres of Vocational Excellence.

For more information, visit the European Commission’s announcement.