The European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe has been officially established in December 2024, in Strasbourg.

The Intergroup is co-chaired by European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu (S&D), MEP Eleonora Meleti (EPP), MEP Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA), and MEP Brigitte van den Berg (Renew) to ensure transversal political support for the challenges ahead. Close to 100 MEPs have declared their support for the creation of this Intergroup. 

Europe is in transition towards green and digital societies which require competences fit for the future. This monumental shift requires people equipped with the right tools to thrive, and, for this, we have established an active Intergroup! It is time for MEPs across Committees to be empowered to break silos and work holistically on education and skills development!

This ambitious initiative aims to improve the quality, equity, and inclusiveness of education and training systems across Europe in a holistic approach. It will tackle pressing challenges such as the growing scarcity of education professionals and trainers, upskilling and reskilling for the twin transitions, the declining basic competences of learners and skills shortages in various sectors.

The Intergroup was conceptualised with the support from education and training stakeholders, alongside organisations committed to advancing lifelong learning in key areas vital to the EU's priorities. The Lifelong Learning Platform - European Civil Society for Education (LLLP), the European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE), and the Schuman Associates Skills Coalition, are supported by over 180 organisations representing civil society active in education and training, industry, and diverse societal stakeholders across EU, national, regional, and local levels. Together, they aim to collaborate closely with their respective coalitions and the European Parliament to advance the Intergroup’s mission and vision.

With Europe working toward its 2030 social targets and navigating profound societal and economic shifts, the need for a strategic focus on education, skills, and training, of different levels of qualifications, has never been more urgent. The Intergroup will play a pivotal role in cultivating a resilient and adaptable society, ensuring that Europeans are well-prepared for active participation in their communities and equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.

This initiative underscores the European Parliament’s unwavering commitment to advancing lifelong learning, prioritising the development of people’s competences. The Intergroup will contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, resilient, competitive, and forward-looking Europe, prepared to lead in a rapidly changing world.