The European Union needs skilled people to respond to new challenges and stay competitive. But as job requirements change, many workers struggle to keep up and businesses cannot find the right talent. These skills and labour gaps are hindering European competitiveness. That is why the European Commission is introducing the union of skills, a plan to improve high quality education, training, and lifelong learning.

Europe is facing a skills crisis that threatens its competitiveness, innovation, and ability to adapt to global challenges.

The European Skills Agenda is a five-year plan to help individuals and businesses develop more and better skills and to put them to use.

A strong focus on future-proof skills in strategic sectors is essential to sustain EU competitiveness, preparedness, and technological leadership. Education plays a key role in supporting, developing and attracting the talent that the EU needs.

The Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) is a renewed European Union (EU) policy initiative that sets out a common vision of high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe, and aims to support the adaptation of the education and training systems of Member States to the digital age.

The way we work, learn, take part in society and lead our everyday lives is changing with technological developments, global and demographic challenges. The right skills help individuals to adjust to these changes and ensure their well-being while contributing to society, productivity and economic growth.

The Pact for Skills is one of the flagship actions of the European Skills Agenda. The Pact aims to support public and private organisations with upskilling and reskilling, so they can thrive through the green and digital transitions. Members of the Pact have access to knowledge on upskilling and reskilling needs, advice on relevant funding instruments to boost the skills of adults in their regions and countries, and partnership opportunities within our growing community.

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational training (Cedefop) helps develop and implement EU vocational training policies. It monitors labour market trends and helps the European Commission, EU countries, employers' organisations and trade unions to match training provision to labour market needs.

The European Year of Skills will give a fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and competitiveness.

In “An Economy that Works for People”.

Digital technology is changing people’s lives. The EU’s digital strategy aims to make this transformation work for people and businesses, while helping to achieve its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. The Commission is determined to make this Europe's “Digital Decade”. Europe must now strengthen its digital sovereignty and set standards, rather than following those of others – with a clear focus on data, technology, and infrastructure.