The European Commission’s new initiative the Union of Skills equips Europe’s workforce for the future, tackling skill shortages and boosting competitiveness. This goes together with the objectives of the Talent Booster Mechanism: to ensure Europe's competitiveness and social cohesion.
Building a Union of Skills to boost talent and competitiveness
- 22 April 2025
Europe's strength lies in its people. Investing in their skills is paramount for maintaining the continent's economic resilience and social cohesion.
Recognising this, in March 2025, the European Commission unveiled the Union of Skills initiative, aiming to bolster the EU's competitiveness by addressing current skill shortages and preparing the workforce for future challenges.
This effort goes along with the Harnessing Talent Platform and Talent Booster Mechanism, which were introduced in 2023 to enhance talent attraction and retention in regions impacted by demographic shifts and workforce decline, following the Communication on Harnessing Talent in Europe's Regions.
Why launch the Union of Skills now?
The EU faces significant skill shortages and gaps, particularly in sectors crucial for digital and green transitions, such as those under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform.
What is this initiative exactly, and what will it achieve?
“The Union of skills is our strategy to help people stay ahead in a rapidly changing world and keep Europe competitive and fair” shares Roxana Mînatu, the Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness.
The Union of Skills represents a pivotal step towards empowering Europe's workforce, ensuring that individuals are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
You can click here to find more answers to your questions with regards to the Union of Skills.
How it relates to the Talent Booster Mechanism and Harnessing Talent Platform?
Among others, the union of skills will make the EU a magnet for talent and bolster the EU's ability to attract, develop and retain key talents, from inside the EU and around the world.
The Talent Booster Mechanism supports EU regions affected by the accelerated decline of their working age population to train, retain and attract the people, the skills and the competences needed to address the impact of the demographic transition. The Harnessing Talent Platform serves as the virtual window to all activities related to the Mechanism, providing a comprehensive showcase of ongoing efforts, including the support on the ground, knowledge production and working groups activities.
All have a common goal of making the EU and its regions more competitive in a rapidly changing world through the attraction, retention and development of talent, equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive and build prosperous and resilient communities.
More Information
A Union of Skills (Communication)
Skills development, labour and skills shortages – factsheets for all 27 Member States (Cedefop)