On March 5, 2025, the European Commission outlined a strategy to enhance the EU's competitiveness by investing in human capital. The Union of Skills aims to equip individuals with future-oriented skills that foster adaptability, innovation, and economic resilience. Its main objective is to create a more inclusive and competitive European labor market by ensuring equal access to quality education, lifelong learning opportunities, and improved workforce mobility.
To achieve this goal, the European Commission proposes four key pillars (“strands”). The first strand, Building Skills for Life, focuses on strengthening educational foundations, promoting lifelong learning, and addressing basic skills deficiencies. The second strand, Upskilling and Reskilling, ensures future-oriented skills through workplace training, public-private partnerships, and innovative learning solutions. The third strand, Circulating Skills, facilitates the free movement and recognition of skills and qualifications across the EU to unlock the full potential of the single market. Finally, the fourth strand, Attracting and Retaining Talent aims to make the EU a global magnet for talent by improving conditions for researchers, students, and skilled workers from third countries.
To build skills for life, the Commission will launch initiatives to improve literacy, numeracy, science, and digital proficiency. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Strategic Plan will address performance gaps while promoting greater participation, especially among women. Teacher training and career incentives will help counter educator shortages, particularly in STEM fields. Additionally, the EU Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy will modernize vocational pathways, while a 2030 Roadmap on Digital Education and Skills will enhance digital learning and AI literacy.
For upskilling and reskilling, the Commission will expand micro-credentials and reinforce the Pact for Skills to ensure workers in key sectors access continuous training. A pilot Skills Guarantee will support workers at risk of unemployment, and EU Skills Academies will develop specialized pathways for industries facing rapid transformation, such as AI, cybersecurity, and clean technologies.
To circulate and recognize skills, the Commission will improve qualification recognition across the EU through a Skills Portability Initiative, enhancing workforce mobility. A European Degree framework will promote joint study programs, while a European VET Diploma will standardize vocational qualification recognition. Strengthening European Universities Alliances and Centres of Vocational Excellence will foster cross-border education and mobility.
To attract and retain talent, the EU will establish an EU Talent Pool to link businesses with skilled jobseekers from outside the EU. A Visa Strategy will streamline entry processes for international students, skilled workers, and researchers, while the "Choose Europe" initiative under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions will support top research talent. Additionally, integration policies will be improved to facilitate the participation of third-country nationals in the European workforce.
To implement the Union of Skills effectively, the European Commission will create a governance framework and boost investment in education and workforce development. The European Skills Intelligence Observatory will track labor market trends, helping policymakers align skills development with economic needs. A European Skills High-Level Board will coordinate efforts across governments, businesses, and education institutions.
Investment is key to achieving these goals. The EU will channel public and private funding into skills programs such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), Erasmus+, and InvestEU to support lifelong learning, vocational training, and digital education. Member states will be encouraged to align national investments with these initiatives, ensuring a skilled and resilient workforce for sustainable economic growth.
While the initiative is a step forward in addressing skills shortages, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) stresses the need for greater investment in teachers. ETUCE supports upskilling but warns that without better working conditions, professional development, and efforts to address STEM teacher shortages, the initiative may not achieve its full potential.
Link to the Communication “The Union of skills”