New intercity cycling connection links the whole southwest of Luxembourg
The route goes between Differdande and Niederkorn
The transition to a better future cannot happen without know-how and a capable human workforce
Every year the European Commission sets a theme for the next 12 months which will serve as a guide in policies and initiatives and as a way to bring attention to some area, aspect or issue of European life and society. In that light, 2023 will be the European Year of Skills, a theme that aims to recall the need for better and more comprehensive education and training that is available to all residents.
This will ensure that nobody is left behind and the economic recovery as well as the green and digital transitions are socially fair and just.
A workforce with the skills that are in demand also contributes to sustainable growth leads to more innovation and improves companies' competitiveness.
However, currently, more than three-quarters of companies in the EU report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills, and the latest figures from Eurostat suggest that only 37% of adults undertake training on a regular basis.
The Digital Economy and Society Index shows that 4 out of 10 adults and every third person who works in Europe lacks basic digital skills. In addition, already in 2021, 28 occupations ranging from construction and healthcare to engineering and IT had shortages, showing a growing demand for both high and low-skilled workers.
There is also a low representation of women in tech-related professions and studies, with only 1 in 6 IT specialists and 1 in 3 STEM graduates being women.
To encourage lifelong learning, Member States have endorsed the EU 2030 social target that at least 60% of adults should participate in training every year, already presenting their national contribution to meeting this target.
This is also important to reach the employment rate target of at least 78% by 2030. The 2030 Digital Compass sets the EU target that by 2030, at least 80% of all adults should have at least basic digital skills, and there should be 20 million employed ICT specialists in the EU, while more women should be encouraged to take up such jobs.
To meet these objectives, the Commission will promote upskilling and reskilling opportunities, for instance by highlighting relevant EU initiatives, including EU funding possibilities, to support their take-up, implementation and delivery on the ground. Events and awareness-raising campaigns will also be organised across the EU to support the mutual learning of partners in up- and reskilling.
The proposed Year also aims to help to further develop skills intelligence tools and promote tools and instruments for increased transparency and easier recognition of qualifications, including qualifications awarded outside the EU.
To ensure the coordination of relevant activities at the national level, the Commission calls on Member States to appoint a national coordinator for the European Year of Skills.
The solution which has been progressing to that end for the past several years proves that there can be a circular business model
The route goes between Differdande and Niederkorn
This is set to transform the logistics sector on the continent by fast-tracking freight along one of the busiest roads in Germany
The latest generation of public transport vehicles are taking over European streets
In fact, the more precise term is post-sorting, and it cuts down CO2 emissions by 75%
Plzeňský Prazdroj’s new brewery warehouse launched an automated rail system capable of storing more beer and loading it onto trucks much more efficiently
The solution which has been progressing to that end for the past several years proves that there can be a circular business model
Local authorities say that this is a good way to preserve the 15th-century market building while providing a public service
The latest generation of public transport vehicles are taking over European streets
Phoenix des Lumières will be an ongoing exhibition until 31 December 2023
The food people eat during the day can have an enormous impact on their habits at home
2020 and 2021 were zero years for these types of events, but the break has not diminished its reputation
The new itineraries are part of the DiscoverEU programme, which lets 18-year-olds travel by train between important European sites
The European Commission has published its first progress report charting the achievements of the socio-cultural movement that combines beauty, inclusion and sustainability
The 2023 edition of the creative initiative promises to be bigger, bolder and more inclusive
Veni Markovski’s take on dealing with disinformation in the European Union's poorest country – Bulgaria
A conversation with the mayor of Utrecht on the occasion of her mission to COP27
A conversation with the President of the European Committee of the Regions, about energy, climate change and the underrated importance of cohesion policy