On 5 March, the European Commission published its Union of Skills Communication. This much-awaited initiative charts the EU strategy on education and training up until 2030, bringing together all existing initiatives. The Lifelong Learning Platform welcomes the launch of the Union of Skills, identifying many civil society demands being taken on board based on the consultations organised by the European Commission.
Nevertheless, considering the manifold challenges that the EU is facing and the urgency for more robust education and training systems across the EU and better tailored learning opportunities for all, we hoped for more ambition across several key aspects of the Union of Skills. LLLP supported and is aligned with the analysis made by the Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe in their recently launched Press Release. The Intergroup hoped for clearer references to a stronger Erasmus+ programme and more financing for education and training, especially in the form of a right to training for all. The Intergroup has also highlighted the positive references to transversal competences, especially competences for active citizenship, but noted that no specific targets or action plans have been developed in this direction. Moreover, the lifelong learning perspective is not fully mainstreamed, with many initiatives developed in a way that targets only one segment of learners. The clearest example would be the focus on basic skills for young learners, while limited consideration for adults’ development of basic skills is provided.
The Union of Skills is only in an inception phase, which will be followed with extensive consultations with stakeholders on how to achieve this vision. The Lifelong Learning Platform is looking forward to being part of the European Skills High Level Board. In this capacity, we are excited to work together with both the European Commission and the European Parliament, namely the Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills, to make lifelong learning a reality for all. In the meantime, read the Intergroup’s Press Release below.
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