EU Competitiveness and Youth Entrepreneurship - Related Opinions

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an opinion on the European Commission’s proposal for a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of Member States. These guidelines form part of the Spring package of the European Semester and are intended to support national labour market reforms, promote inclusive growth, and align with the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan and the Union of Skills initiative. The opinion reflects on the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, labour shortages, and the need for inclusive and future-ready employment strategies.

The EESC stresses that the success of the Union of skills depends on effective and cooperative governance, adequate financing, and inclusive representation of social partners, national authorities and other stakeholders, including civil society organisations, teachers and learners. This opinion points at the importance of tailored support for SMEs and for women and disadvantaged individuals. It calls for improving the quality, inclusiveness, attractiveness, effectiveness and accessibility of vocational education and training and adult learning, and to make Europe more attractive to global talent. It asks that recommendations on education and skills be fully integrated into the European Semester process.

In its own-initiative opinion on the new European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the European Commission’s initiative and urges a renewed and ambitious approach. The EESC highlights the need to reinforce the social dimension of the EU, particularly in light of ongoing green and digital transitions and persistent inequalities. It calls for a stronger focus on social investment, quality employment, inclusive labour markets, fair mobility and accessible social protection systems. The Committee underlines the importance of involving civil society and social partners at all levels and recommends establishing clear targets, effective monitoring and adequate funding to ensure the full implementation of the EPSR principles.

The EESC supports fostering joint programmes among higher education institutions within and beyond European University Alliance projects, ensuring quality assurance and including all relevant stakeholders in their implementation. It emphasises the need for broad collaboration among stakeholders to effectively implement the initiatives, particularly highlighting the fundamental values of student and staff participation following the Bologna Process. The EESC calls for the involvement of relevant labour market stakeholders in defining study programmes that have particular relevance to the labour market. It emphasises the need for adequate resources to implement these initiatives effectively.

This own-initiative opinion highlights the importance of equal treatment of young people in the labour market. It covers key aspects such as access to jobs, education-to-work transition, traineeships and internships, minimum wages, skills, social security, mental health and well-being. The EESC provides recommendations to promote and ensure equal treatment of young people in the labour market while supporting their economic activity through entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

Working life is transforming due to the accelerating digital transformation, automation, and transition to climate neutrality. A workforce with the right skills will contribute to strengthen the competitiveness of the union. Against the background of the Commission’s announcement of making 2023 the European Year of Skills. What competence and skill development will be needed?