Regions and cities are key to aligning local needs with Europe's skills agenda

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) together with the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, launched the report on “The Role of Subnational Governments in Adult Skills Systems”, that underlines the importance of local and territorial approaches in building the European Union of Skills, during a high-level conference on 1 October at the CoR.

During the event, high-level speakers from the European Commission, the OECD, key stakeholders, and members of the Committee of the Regions discussed the key findings of the report which maps out the responsibilities for adult learning in various countries and clarifies how governance models shape learning policies.

In a world that demands rapid adaptation, with economies facing unprecedented global challenges, including rapid digitalisation, the green transition, geopolitical instability, and profound labour market shifts, the urgency of investing in adult skills to build a resilient and adaptable workforce is higher than ever.

Participants stressed the need for collaboration across levels of government and underline the vital role of local and regional actors in tailoring skills systems to local labour markets, addressing skills mismatches, fostering innovation and creating inclusive pathways for reskilling and upskilling.

Local and regional leaders stressed that not all regions have the same needs, and the vital role of cities and regions in shaping adult learning policies that respond to local realities while contributing to European priorities. Participants underlined the challenges that European SMEs face to find people with the right skills and called for involvement of the local level from the earliest stages of policy design. Moreover, they urged for adequate and direct access to funding to address skills challenges in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Quote:

Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo and SEDEC first Vice-Chair: “Europe’s future depends on the skills of its people, in every region and every community. Cities and regions are essential partners in shaping skills policies. Investing in adult learning is not only about jobs, but also about inclusion, social cohesion, and civic participation — building a true Union of Skills.”

 Background

 Video and photos from the conference.

• COR opinion on Union of Skills Strategy.