European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2025: Skills for a Competitive Europe

The European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2025: Skills for a Competitive Europe took place on March 5-6, 2025, at The EGG, in Brussels, Belgium, drawing over 500 participants from various sectors. The event, organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, served as the EU’s flagship forum on skills, labor markets, and social rights policies. This major gathering brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, social partners, and citizens to discuss the future of Europe’s labor markets and explore innovative solutions to address the evolving demand for skills. MERIT project was represented at this event by Madalina Gavril, Communication Specialist at Digital Innovation Zone EDIH.

The Forum’s overarching aim was to align skills development with economic and societal needs, fostering fairness and solidarity across Europe. With a dynamic agenda that included speeches from influential figures, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, the event offered a platform for robust discussions on the future of skills in Europe. Key speakers included:

• Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Readiness
• Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland
• Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn
• Li Andersson, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the EMPL Committee
• Chuck Robbins, President and CEO of Cisco
• Celeste Drake, Deputy Director-General of the International Labour Organisation

Key takeaways

The discussions at the Forum pointed out several key aspects of Europe’s labor market and skills development. Among the most pressing challenges were the widespread skills gaps and the mismatch between labor market demands and available talent. Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, highlighted that 80% of SMEs in Europe face difficulties in finding qualified workers, with 50% of employees lacking digital skills. This statistic aligns closely with the goals of the MERIT project, which seeks to equip non-ICT specialists with the advanced digital skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Another significant topic was the need for early education and teacher training. Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin emphasized the importance of investing in the education system, particularly in teacher training, as a means of strengthening Europe’s labour market. MERIT project focus on developing inclusive digital education programs resonates with this vision by ensuring equitable access to high-quality training for individuals across Europe.

The rapid pace of technological change, particularly the growing demand for AI-related skills, was also a key topic. Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn, noted that while the number of job seekers in Europe has increased by 17%, job postings have decreased by 2%. He also pointed out that countries like Ireland, Estonia, and Cyprus are leading in AI skill adoption. MERIT project addresses this shift through its emphasis on reskilling, offering industry-aligned training programs that prepare professionals for AI-driven labour markets.

Furthermore, the event highlighted the value of data-driven decision-making. LinkedIn’s collaboration with the public sector to provide labour market predictions underscores the need for forward-thinking educational policies. MERIT project supports this by aligning its training programs with real labour market demands, helping individuals acquire the skills needed for emerging job sectors.

Alignment with MERIT project mission

Throughout the event, MERIT’s objectives were clearly aligned with the discussions and themes explored at the Forum. The panel discussions on the future of skills reinforced project approach to preparing individuals for digital careers through specialized training and mobility opportunities. The inspiring speeches from industry leaders and insights shared on the importance of addressing the skills gap and the role of digital education in economic growth and social inclusion directly supported project core objectives.

Participating in the European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2025 was a validation for the project, providing valuable exposure and networking opportunities with key stakeholders. The event reinforced the mission to enhance digital education and reskill non-ICT specialists, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of an ever-changing labour market. 

Are you ready to upgrade your skills and boost your career in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape? MERIT project offers a range of short-term courses designed to equip non-ICT specialists with the cutting-edge digital competencies needed to succeed in the modern workforce.

Don’t miss the opportunity to develop the skills that will help you thrive in industries of the future. Explore our upcoming short-term courses HERE and take the first step toward a brighter, more competitive career.

Start your journey towards digital empowerment with MERIT project short-term courses or master programmes!