Europe Day is a fitting moment to mark the 50th anniversary of Cedefop.
Since 1975, Cedefop has been a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to vocational education and training (VET), lifelong learning, and skills development. At a time when Europe faces rapid technological, demographic, and green transitions, training and learning are not only about preparing for jobs—they are about preparing for life, for citizenship, and for resilience in a changing world.
Across borders and generations, the Agency has helped shape a common language of skills, supporting inclusive growth and mobility while championing excellence and innovation. Our unity in diversity is our strength, and skills are the threads that weave Europe’s social fabric tighter, ensuring no one is left behind.
“VET, learning and skills empower people. They equip them with the tools to shape their lives and actively participate in society. In doing so, they strengthen Europe’s cohesion, competitiveness, and democratic values.” Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director, Cedefop
Today, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the vision of a Union of Skills guide our collective ambitions: to ensure that every individual—regardless of gender, age, or background—has access to quality learning and meaningful work, and to provide companies – no matter their size or sector – with the skilled workforce they need to succeed. Empowering people and enterprises with skills is not just an economic necessity; it is a social imperative and a democratic promise.
Whether it is a young apprentice starting their journey, a worker re-skilling for a greener job, or an adult learner embracing digital transformation, their growth is Europe’s growth.
As we look ahead, our commitment to making learning accessible, inclusive, and future-ready remains firm. Because a skilled Europe is a united Europe—a Europe ready to lead with compassion, purpose, and innovation.
Let us celebrate Europe—and 50 years of Cedefop shaping skills and learning for our Union. And let us forge the next half century with the same unwavering conviction: that knowledge, skills, and learning are not just pathways to employment, but pillars of democracy, dignity, and shared prosperity.
Happy Europe Day. Happy 50 years, Cedefop.
