On Wednesday 12 October, the European Commission adopted its proposal to make 2023 the European Year of Skills, as President Ursula von der Leyen had announced on 13 September in Strasbourg.
“The green and digital transitions are opening up new opportunities for people and the EU economy. Having the relevant skills empowers people to successfully navigate labour market changes and to fully engage in society and democracy”, says the Commission.
A workforce with the right skills “also contributes to sustainable growth, leads to more innovation and improves companies’ competitiveness”.
For example, 70% of companies say that a lack of staff with adequate digital skills is a barrier to investment, the statement says, while almost half of the EU population has no or very low digital skills.
Given that “only 37% of adults undertake training, there is a need to invest more in upskilling and reskilling opportunities and to encourage all workers to complete training”, it adds.
With the European Year of Skills, the Commission therefore proposes to “give a fresh impetus to lifelong learning” by: - promoting “increased, and more effective and inclusive investment in training and upskilling to support people in changing from one job to another”; - ensuring that skills are adapted to the needs of the labour market, in cooperation with social partners and enterprises as well; - matching citizens’ aspirations and skills with labour market opportunities, particularly with regard to the green and digital transition and the economic recovery.
The year 2023 will also be devoted to “activat[ing] more people for the labour market, in particular women and young people, especially those not in education, employment or training”.
There is also a ‘legal migration’ component, with 2023 also being devoted to attracting people from third countries with the skills the EU needs, including by facilitating the recognition of qualifications.
The whole of 2023 should also highlight existing EU funding to help develop these objectives, including ESF+ funds, the Just Transition Fund, the Invest EU Fund or the Regional Development Fund, all of which can support skills development.
Link to the proposal: https://aeur.eu/f/3l1 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)