Union of Skills
The Union of Skills is the European Commission’s plan for education, training, and lifelong learning. Published in March 2025, the Union of Skills focuses on: building skills for quality lives and jobs, upskilling and reskilling for the digital and green transition, circulating skills across the EU for competitiveness and attracting, developing, and retaining talent; with several sector-specific strategies and initiatives.
EAEA welcomes this initiative, but reinforces the importance of a comprehensive approach to skills. Skills development should be seen as empowering to all individuals in all aspects of life, not only for the labour market. Initiatives should highlight the importance of non-formal adult education, reskilling and upskilling, not only when learning is job-related.
>> Read EAEA’s statement “A Union of Skills that puts the needs and ambitions of adult learners at the centre” (pdf), March 2025
Upskilling Pathways
The Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults recommendation was approved by the Council of the European Union in 2016 as a response to the low levels of basic skills of European adults.
This initiative aims to support adults to acquire a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills and acquire a broader set of skills, by guiding Member States on the implementation of concrete steps and structures on outreach, guidance and support measures. Implementation varies within the Member States, based on existing initiatives and local and regional contexts.
In 2023, the European Commission’s evaluation report showed only a moderate impact of the Recommendation. While some positive trends are seen, uneven implementation across the Member States and a lack of coordination persist.
EAEA is closely monitoring the Upskilling Pathways since its publication, issuing initial statements and engaging in public consultations. In 2024, we issued a statement calling for a more equitable implementation of the initiative to ensure more European adults are supported and effectively benefit from quality learning opportunities.
>> Read EAEA’s statement ‘Upskilling Pathways’ need more visibility, funding, and continuous implementation, October 2024