European Pact for Skills – 2 years on

Article published in Voice of the Workers Weekly

Two years ago, Member States have endorsed the European Pact for Skills and presented their contributions to meet the EU 2030 social target of ensuring that at least 60% of adults participate in training courses every year. This is also important to reach the employment rate target of at least 78% by 2030.

In this context, the Pact for Skills offers a unique platform of cooperation that brings together public and private organisations who commit to identify what skills are needed and to make commitments to reskill workers, preferably by pooling efforts in a partnership, addressing the needs of the labour market, supporting green and digital transitions as well as local and regional growth strategies.

All stakeholders joining the Pact sign a Charter outlining principles on quality training, lifelong learning and inclusion. A central element of the European Skills Agenda, the Pact for Skills today has 1,000 members, including large multinational companies, SMEs, local training providers, and chambers of commerce.

The Commission has proposed to make 2023 the European Year of Skills, giving a fresh impetus for investment in skills across the EU.