As the European Union marks a turning point in its policy cycle, the role of skills and learning has never been more critical. On 27 May 2025 in Brussels, Cedefop will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a high-level conference, convening policymakers, social partners, and stakeholders to co-design the next chapter of European skills development.
Established in 1975, Cedefop has long been at the heart of evidence-based policy on vocational education and training (VET), and lifelong learning.
The anniversary conference - aiming to engage European Commission leaders, members of the European Parliament, civil society actors, and national representatives—comes at a time when the Union is deepening its competitiveness agenda. Skills are the engine driving strategic autonomy and innovation, and Cedefop’s skills intelligence serves as a compass for shaping responsive, forward-looking VET systems.
From analysing labour market trends to informing national reforms, Cedefop’s data and insights are key to building education systems that deliver real opportunities for learners—and real talent for employers. This work feeds directly into flagship EU initiatives like the Union of Skills, the Pact for Skills, and the upcoming EU Teachers’ Agenda.
A joint session with the European Training Foundation will examine two decades of progress under the Copenhagen Process, laying the groundwork for a new VET strategy in line with the post-2024 EU mandate.
Cedefop’s 50th anniversary event is a critical moment for EU decision-makers to steer the direction of the current policy cycle around digitalisation, demographic change, and inclusive growth, by focusing on:
- Cutting-edge skills intelligence to anticipate labour market needs and skill shortages.
- How Member States can develop evidence-based, future-proof VET systems, at the core of their innovation agenda.
- Investing in people and making lifelong learning a reality.
- Promoting equal access to quality learning opportunities, while supporting teachers and trainers across Europe.
In an era of rapid transformation, building resilient workplaces and workforce is not optional—it is existential. On 27 May, Cedefop invites Europe’s leaders to look ahead, together, and co-create a Europe united in skills and learning that works for all.
