This Italian region now has Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge
It’s not for the faint-hearted
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.
What are the reasons for that and are there any possible solutions for that problem?
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
It’s not for the faint-hearted
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
The City says this has become a necessity due to the increasing number of incidents involving these vehicles
That way you can notify a canal lock keeper to open the gates so the animals can swim through
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Electricity production in that Eastern European country will not release direct CO2 emissions anymore
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
This initiative is not just about making books more accessible – it has larger ambitions in its sights
We owe the unusual cultural icon to this country in Europe
The country’s capital has been a pioneer in crafting policy and initiatives to improve coexistence between people and pets
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team