Union of Skills strategy to equip people for a competitive Europe

The Union of Skills will support the development of our Union’s human capital to strengthen EU competitiveness. A key initiative of the first 100 days of this Commission, the Union of Skills will:  

• deliver higher levels of basic skills, for example through the Basic Skills Support Scheme pilot
• provide lifelong opportunities for adults to regularly upskill and reskill, for example through a Skills Guarantee pilot 
• facilitate recruitment by businesses across the EU, for example through a Skills Portability Initiative
• attract and retain the skills and talents needed in the European economy, for example through the ‘Choose Europe’ action to attract top talent globally
• have a strong governance foundation, building on the new European Skills High-Level Board that will be informed by a European Skills Intelligence Observatory

From children at school to those reaching retirement, this initiative will empower people across Europe with the skills they need to thrive. It will also encourage the portability of skills across the continent through the free movement of knowledge and innovation.

The Union of Skills Communication is accompanied by an Action Plan on Basic Skills and a STEM Education Strategic Plan to improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths, promote STEM careers, attract more girls and women, and boost preparedness in the face of digital and clean-tech transitions.  

New Targets for 2030

The Commission proposes a number of new targets by 2030

• the share of underachievement in literacy, mathematics, science and digital skills should be less than 15%, whereas the share of top performance in literacy, mathematics and science should be at least 15%
• the share of students enrolled in STEM fields in initial medium-level VET should be at least 45%, with at least 1 out of every 4 students female 
• the share of students enrolled in STEM fields in third-level education be at least 32%, with at least 2 out of 5 students female
• the share of students enrolled in ICT PhD programmes should be at least 5%, with at least 1 out of every 3 students female

Related links

Skills development, labour and skills shortages in Europe: infographics

Skills and qualifications

Vocational Education and Training (VET)