The European Commission announced the Union of Skills, a new policy framework that forms part of the Competitiveness Compass, which is a strategic framework guiding the EU’s sustainable growth and competitiveness in the upcoming five years. The Commission proposed a new set of objectives to be achieved by 2030 to boost competitiveness through skills: better understanding of skills needs, development of core and basic skills, upskilling and reskilling support to ensure future-proof skills, facilitating skills mobility and the free movement of labour within the EU, and attracting, developing, and retaining talent in Europe. 

The Union of Skills makes reference to sport participation and volunteering, alongside non-formal and informal learning, youth work, and cultural initiatives, as meaningful opportunities for individuals to develop knowledge and skills. The policy document highlights the importance of increasing the participation of girls and women to help close persistent gender gaps as well. Finally, the EU aims to complement the current budget of €150 billion allocated for skills development, distributed via various programmes, with private and public contributions. 

Members at the national level, already benefiting in various forms through skill development programmes, are expected to receive more opportunities to improve skills.