EUSDR PA 9 Event - Closing the Skills Gap: Green and Digital Skills for a Competitive Europe

Widening skills gaps and the need for more and better skills pose significant challenges within the Danube Region. The loss of young people through outward migration and skilled labour shortages hinders economic development, innovation, and social progress.

Targeted and inclusive education, skills and labour market policies can help build attractive offers to attract and retain talent in the region. Building skills for life through strong educational foundations and a focus on green and digital skills are essential to meet the rapidly changing skill demands and employment needs in the green and digital transition. Promoting these skills through cooperation can help bridge the skills gap, foster economic growth, retain talent in the region, and contribute to a sustainable and more competitive Danube Region.

Following the keynotes that provide context and strategic direction, the panel discussion brings together experts who share insights on EU strategies, trends in education and labour market systems in the region, and good practice examples on international cooperation in the fields of education and labour market policy. Panellists discuss key challenges around brain drain and the growing skills gap, showcase current initiatives addressing these issues, and highlight the role of transnational cooperation and the promotion of green and digital skills. The audience have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

Keynote speakers: Maryna TVERDOSTUP, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) – Findings of the Danube Region Monitor, Nathalie LAHIRE, Senior Economist for Education, World Bank - Assessment of green skills, foundational skills and skill gap profiles for the green transition in the Western Balkans

Moderators: Jörg MIRTL, Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria and Jürgen SCHICK, Federal Ministry of Education, Austria, Coordinators of EUSDR Priority Area 9 – People & Skills.