Maximising the Impact of EU Initiatives on Skills

Requested by the European Parliament, the study on Maximising the Impact of EU Initiatives on Skills analyses EU skills policies and initiatives, such as the European Skills Agenda, Digital Education Action Plan, and Individual Learning Accounts, taking into consideration changing demands of the labour market. 

The main factors identified as influencing the future skills landscape across Europe, include digitalisation, the green transition, and demographic shifts. The study notes that despite some level of job replacement risks due to automation and AI, enhancement and augmentation of current roles will be more common, making continuous skill development necessary. Persistent challenges include gender disparity, over-qualification, and limited access to vocational training, especially in SMEs. 

The report recommends that the EU further enhances employer incentives for skills investment, strengthen training access for non-standard workers, and clarify skill definitions for green and digital roles to ensure alignment with future job markets.