2023 will be the European Year of Skills

Next year, professional skills will be in the spotlight, announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in her 2022 State of the Union speech. According to the proposal adopted by the Commission, 2023 will be the European Year of Skills.

The background of the decision is the labour market environment that has changed over the past years, the newly emerging challenges, and the shifted conditions for employment.

Based on the statistics conducted by the Commission, three quarters of EU companies report that it is difficult to find employees with the necessary skills. At the same time, there was a shortage in several professions: the demand for both high and low-skilled workers is increasing. Commission kick-starts work on the European Year of Skills - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu)
 

At the same time, this also carries an opportunity: a green and digital transition opens new perspectives for both people and the EU economy. It is important to prioritize appropriate training and retraining opportunities in order to fill the above-mentioned labour market gaps. European Year of Skills 2023 (europa.eu) The EU pays special attention to increasing the number of participants in adult education and encouraging lifelong learning: the social goal set for 2030 is to achieve 78% employment.
 

By switching to the green and digital direction, employees will acquire the appropriate skills, which will enable them to successfully navigate both the labour market and social changes. This ensures that no one is left behind, and a workforce with sought-after skills leads to sustainable growth, innovation, and improved competitiveness of companies.

EU wants to implement the transition initiative in a socially fair and equity way, which is why the European Commission launched a public consultation.
 

Anyone could share their opinion on the Commission's website until December 14: the received feedback will be recorded, which will be presented to the Parliament and the Council, thereby ensuring a broad contribution to the debate.