Last week, the European Employment and Social Rights Forum (EU Social Forum) in Brussels brought together policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives to tackle one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly changing job market. As the continent faces a green and digital transformation, along with labour shortages driven by demographic shifts, the message was clear: investing in people today is essential for a competitive and socially just Europe.
Tackling skills gaps
A key highlight of the forum was the announcement of the ‘Union of Skills’ by the European Commission, a bold initiative to address growing skills gaps. It includes measures such as a Basic Skills Support Scheme, a new EU Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, and an EU Talent Pool to attract workers from outside the bloc. These efforts aim to equip workers with the competencies needed for the future, particularly in high-demand sectors like renewable energy, digital technology, and construction.
However, while the discussion largely focused on economic competitiveness, a crucial concern echoed throughout the event: How can we ensure that the most vulnerable groups, such as NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training), Roma communities, and others at risk of exclusion, are not left behind in this transition?
Social Inclusion: the missing piece?
At the YES Forum, we have long advocated for a social inclusion-first approach to skills development. Our work shows that when vulnerable young people are given the right support through mentoring, flexible training, and peer learning, they not only gain employment but also develop resilience and confidence.
Through initiatives that create safe learning spaces and offer hands-on experience, we ensure that those furthest from the job market have a fair shot at these emerging opportunities. Our work aligns with the Social Forum’s broader message: when training opportunities and social support go hand in hand, people benefit, and so does Europe.
As the EU moves forward with its new skills agenda, one thing is clear: economic growth and social inclusion are not opposing goals. They are two sides of the same coin. The challenge now is to ensure that future policies do not just cater to market demands but also empower those who have been historically left out.
