2023: European Year of Skills

On 14 September 2022, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen delivered her third State of the Union Address (SOTEU) before the Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during which she highlighted the shortage of skills in Europe.

“We need much more focus in our investment on professional education and upskilling,” said von der Leyen, "but we also have to attract the right skills to our continent, skills that help companies and strengthen Europe's growth.”

Von der Leyen also highlighted that increased investment in further and higher education needs “careful knowledge of what staff are needed and how we can fill those vacancies.” The new EU call under the DIGITAL Europe Programme, which will fund new Bachelor's and Master's degrees in key technology areas, aims to address this need.

“The lack of staff is a challenge for Europe's companies. We must invest much more in training and further education. This is why I am proposing to make 2023 the European Year of Skills.”

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

For more information, visit: digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu.