Europe’s future depends on its people—and on the bold actions taken today to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. As the continent navigates the green and digital transitions, demographic shifts, and growing inequality, research-driven skills policy is even more essential to achieving strategic goals.
That urgency and opportunity came into clear focus at Cedefop’s high-level event, Shaping Learning and Skills in Europe. Held in Brussels, the event convened over 300 participants from across the EU—policymakers, social partners, researchers, and practitioners—around a shared vision for inclusive, future-ready vocational education and training (VET), learning, and skills ecosystems.
From the outset, the event captured the collaborative spirit driving European change.
"We are entering a new era where learning must be lifelong, lifewide, and future-fit", said Cedefop Executive Director Juergen Siebel. "This event shows that Europe is ready to work together to make that happen."
In her address, Li Andersson, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, pointed out: “the work of Cedefop highlights that education is not just a stepping stone to employment, it is the basis of resilience, participation and purpose”.
Sessions underscored the urgent need to expand adult learning, embed skills intelligence across policymaking, and shift societal perceptions of VET. The atmosphere was one of urgency—but also optimism, powered by a sense that Europe is moving from vision to implementation.
“Cedefop has successfully kept vocational education and training, skills, and learning at the forefront of the EU agenda across Member States and successive policy cycles—a testament to their enduring relevance in shaping Europe’s future”, commented Mario Nava, Director-General, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
Cedefop’s convening power was on full display. With over five decades of expertise and a leading role in skills intelligence, the agency has become a trusted hub for coordination and innovation. By bringing together diverse voices from across Member States, sectors, and levels of governance, Cedefop reaffirmed its central role in shaping Europe’s skills agenda.
The event marked a shift in gear, showing a Europe that is not only aware of its challenges, but united in addressing them. “We’re not just talking about skills anymore—we’re shaping them, together,” concluded Juergen Siebel.
