Europe’s workforce and work­places are at a turning point. The EU Competitiveness Compass high­lights the critical role of skills in driving pro­duc­ti­vi­ty, inno­va­ti­on, inclusion, and resi­li­ence in Europe. From the European Year of Skills to the newly launched Union of Skills initia­ti­ve, the EU is streng­thening its capacity to equip workers and busi­nesses with the right skills for the twin digital and green transitions.

The con­fe­rence will bring together over 250 key EU stake­hol­ders to provide actionable insights on Europe’s evolving skills and education landscape. By lever­aging Cedefop’s skills intel­li­gence, dis­cus­sions will focus on how voca­tio­nal education and training (VET), ups­kil­ling, res­kil­ling, and lifelong learning can reinforce Europe’s economic sove­reig­n­ty and social cohesion. It will address crucial topics such as the future of voca­tio­nal education and training, bridging the gap between learning and the labour market, and better skills for EU citizens.

Key themes

• Next-gene­ra­ti­on skills intelligence
• Bridging the gap between learning and work
• Investing in people
• Making adult learning a reality
• From Copenhagen to Herning, insights from the progress of the Copenhagen Process
• The importance of being vocational
• The future of European policies and Cedefop’s role

With keynote addresses from EU Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament, alongside expert panel dis­cus­sions with social partners and policy makers, this con­fe­rence is a strategic forum for shaping next-gene­ra­ti­on policies that connect skills, com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness, and Europe’s long-term prosperity.

Join the Conversation!
As we celebrate 50 years of Cedefop’s con­tri­bu­ti­on to European skills deve­lo­p­ment, we invite you to be part of the dis­cus­sion on the next 50 years. Secure your spot today and con­tri­bu­te to building a Europe where skills drive progress, pro­spe­ri­ty, and unity.

Check out the draft programme.