The European Commission adopted on 7 September 2007 a Communication on “e-Skills for the 21st Century: Fostering Competitiveness, Growth and Jobs” presenting a long term e-skills agenda and including five major action lines at the European level. The Competitiveness Council of Ministers adopted Conclusions on a long term e-skills strategy at its meeting on 22-23 November 2007.

A successful implementation of an e-skills strategy in Europe is considered of great importance within the renewed Lisbon strategy (Presidency Conclusions March 2008) and as a part of lifelong learning strategies (2006 Recommendation on key competences).

The conference is organised by the European Commission and Cedefop in partnership with the e-Skills Industry Leadership Board. It will bring together experts from government, ICT industry, social partners, academia and other stakeholders. The conference will present and discuss best practices, flagship projects and report on progress. Participation at the conference is free of charge but on invitation only.

News:

Günter Verheugen

Vice-President of the European Commission



"Europe needs to ensure that the knowledge, skills, competences and creativity of the European workforce and citizen meet the highest standard and are constantly updated. "

Aviana Bulgarelli

Director of Cedefop

"Education and training are essential for growth, jobs and social cohesion in Europe, and e-skills are a key competence to make lifelong learning a reality. "

Jean-Noël Durvy

Director Innovation Policy, DG Enterprise and Industry, European Commission

"E-skills are central in formulating policy designed to ensure that Europe can boost the productivity and the employability of its workforce and respond to global competitive challenges "