Building on the momentum of its landmark event, Cedefop has launched a strategic vision that positions skills policy as the cornerstone of Europe’s transformation. “Shaping Learning and Skills for Europe: A Time for Commitment” is not just a publication—it’s a call to action.
Fifty years since its founding, Cedefop is shaping Europe’s future through evidence-based skills intelligence and strategic foresight. This new vision pushes for an integrated VET and Skills (VET-S) approach to meet the demands of an evolving labour market, the twin green and digital transitions, and growing social inequality.
Five years from the Osnabrück declaration
At its core, the strategy identifies five pillars: accessibility, inclusion, quality, innovation, and attractiveness. These are not abstract principles—they are levers for systemic change.
The publication analyses the latest evidence: productivity lags, adult learning participation remains below targets, and nearly half the EU workforce may need upskilling. Yet it is equally forward-looking, offering solutions like stackable credentials, modular learning, and outcome-driven quality assurance.
Cedefop’s strategic positioning is clear: to empower Member States with next-generation skills intelligence, support implementation, and ensure accountability through robust metrics and coordination.
The publication also aligns with the broader policy zeitgeist—from the Letta and Draghi reports to the Union of Skills initiative and the new Commission’s agenda under EVP Mînzatu. The message is unmistakable: the EU must move from ambition to action, and Cedefop is ready to lead that charge.
Indeed, if the recent flagship event was about convening the conversation, this publication is about owning the narrative. In its fifty-year journey, Cedefop has evolved into a strategic actor in Europe's renewal.
Together, these pieces chart a bold, united direction: one where learning systems are not just reformed but reimagined, and where Cedefop plays a decisive role in delivering the Europe of tomorrow.
