05 Mar 2025
Commission adopts Communication on Union of Skills
On 5 March 2025, the College of Commissioners adopted the Communication 'The Union of Skills' aiming at supporting the development of the EU's human capital to strengthen EU competitiveness.
Possible measures include 'a legal status for alliances of higher education institutions', an 'MSCA Choose Europe pilot' and a new visa strategy. The way forward emphasises the need for a whole-of-government approach. A skills portability initiative and new governance (European Skills Intelligence Observatory, European Skills High-Level Board) and a series of new goals up to 2030 are also proposed.
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.
According to the Commission, the Union of Skills will bolster the EU's ability to attract, develop and retain key talents, from inside the EU and around the world. For example, the Commission will launch a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions pilot call ‘Choose Europe' with a budget of €22.5 million to attract top talent globally, by offering excellent scientific working and employment conditions and careers prospects.
Furthermore, once adopted by the Parliament and Council, the Commission will set up an EU Talent Pool for recruitment from outside the EU at all skills levels, especially in occupations facing severe shortages. A Visa Strategy will be presented this year to further support the arrival of top students, trained workers, and researchers.
The Commission recognises the fact that delivering on the Union of Skills will require a collective responsibility and increased ambition, investment, and effective reform implementation. For this, the Union of Skills will rest on a strong governance, informed by a European Skills Intelligence Observatory. The observatory will provide data and foresight regarding skills and allow for early warning alerts regarding skills shortages in critical or strategic sectors.
A new European Skills High-Level Board, will bring together education and training providers, business leaders and social partners to provide comprehensive insights on skills to the EU policy makers. Building on the Observatory, the Board will ensure a coordinated vision and the identification of the bold action necessary to strengthen Europe's human capital.
Because human capital, education and skills are a core matter for ensuring European competitiveness, the Commission intends to introduce a new EU-27 Recommendation on education and skills in the European Semester cycle, to guide the Member States and relevant actors.
For more information:
A Union of Skills (Communication)
Skills development, labour and skills shortages – factsheets for all 27 Member States (Cedefop)