CECIMO’s Position on the EU Action Plan to Tackle Labour and Skills Shortages

CECIMO welcomes the adoption of the EU Action Plan on Labour and Skills Shortages, addressing the critical skills gap in the manufacturing sector that hinders productivity, competitiveness, and innovation. This strategic blueprint supports the digital and green transformation of businesses and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the European Commission, Member States, industry, and social partners.

The action plan, part of the EU political cycle 2024–2029, encourages coordinated European reforms in labour markets, education, training systems, and mobility policies. CECIMO highlights the necessity of leveraging the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) to incentivize employers to provide training, thereby enhancing the EU Single Market's functionality and fostering cooperation among member states.

CECIMO endorses the European Commission’s initiatives to upskill young people, expand vocational excellence centers, and improve skills intelligence. It advocates for updated curricula to include digital and green skills, benefit reforms for workers, and enhanced apprenticeships and partnerships between vocational education providers and employers.

This paper underscores the need for a comprehensive approach involving all government levels and social partners to overcome labour and skills shortages. By implementing tailored policy solutions, the EU can enhance its economic potential, foster innovation, and maintain global competitiveness.

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