Harnessing talent in EU regions

Background

On 17 January 2023, the Commission published a Communication on Harnessing Talent in Europe's Regions, putting forward targeted measures to promote and retain talent in underdeveloped regions, and turn those regions into more attractive locations. This is the first key initiative in 2023 stemming from the European Year of Skills. In a new opinion, the EESC welcomes the Commission's commitment to look at the regions’ specific situation and assets, but stresses that in order to better address the labour and skills shortages, long-term solutions are needed to support regional development. The Committee also calls on the Commission and Member States to put in place cohesion policies and EU funds to support the shaping of labour market transitions in a way that no worker or region is left behind.

Key points

In the opinion, the EESC:

• points out that the fundamental aspect of European integration – freedom of movement – needs to be ensured for all in the EU, while focusing on a long-term and holistic approach to regional development and labour market integration;
• stresses that in order to better address the labour and skills shortages, long-term solutions are needed to support regional development, such as better infrastructure, sustainable resources, improved job quality, effective support to those not in employment, education, or training;
• calls on the European Commission and the Member States to put in place cohesion policies and EU funds to support the shaping of labour market transitions in a way that no worker or region is left behind.

Additional information 

- EESC section: Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO)
- opinion type: Optional
- rapporteur: Tatjana BABRAUSKIENE (Workers-Group II / Lithuania)
- reference: ECO/610-EESC-2023
- referral: COM(2023) 32 final
- date of adoption by section: 30/05/2023
- date of adoption in plenary: 14-15/06/2023

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