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The Union of Skills Communication is accompanied by an Action Plan on Basic Skills and a STEM Education Strategic Plan to improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths, promote STEM careers, attract more girls and women, and boost preparedness in the face of digital and clean-tech transitions.
New targets for 2030
The Commission proposes a number of new targets by 2030:
- The share of underachievement in literacy, mathematics, science and digital skills should be less than 15%, whereas the share of top performance in literacy, mathematics and science should be at least 15%;
- The share of students enrolled in STEM fields in initial medium-level VET should be at least 45%, with at least 1 out of every 4 students female;
- The share of students enrolled in STEM fields in third-level education be at least 32%, with at least 2 out of 5 students female;
- The share of students enrolled in ICT PhD programmes should be at least 5%, with at least 1 out of every 3 students female.
Building a solid foundation through education and training
Education and training play an essential role in creating quality jobs and lives, for example we will support literacy, maths, science, digital and citizenship skills through the Basic Skills Support Scheme pilot. Together with Member States, the Commission will develop and financially support a framework of effective intervention measures (such as early warning, monitoring, personalised support, networks). This scheme for children and young people that struggle to acquire basic skills will improve their achievement levels.
Helping the free movement of skilled people
The Single Market's full potential will be unlocked by circulating skills. To open up more opportunities for workers and businesses, a Skills Portability Initiative will make it easier to recognise and accept skills and qualifications across the EU, independently of where they were acquired. The initiative will promote the use of digital credentials.
Making the EU a magnet for talent
The Union of Skills will bolster the EU's ability to attract, develop and retain key talents, from inside the EU and around the world.
For example, the Commission will launch a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions pilot call ‘Choose Europe' with a budget of €22.5 million to attract top talent globally, by offering excellent scientific working and employment conditions and careers prospects.
Furthermore, once adopted by the Parliament and Council, the Commission will set up an EU Talent Pool for recruitment from outside the EU at all skills levels, especially in occupations facing severe shortages. A Visa Strategy will be presented this year to further support the arrival of top students, trained workers, and researchers.
Read the full press release.