On 5 March 2025, the European Commission published the Union of Skills Communication, marking a significant step towards a more prepared and competitive future for the European Union.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) had the opportunity to participate in the consultation with the Cabinet of Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu in January 2025, contributing alongside other key institutions and organisations from the higher education sector to shape the future of skills development in the EU.
We welcome the publication of the Union of Skills Communication, as it is crucial not only for the future of the EU but also for advancing higher education and international mobility.
The Role of Erasmus+ in the Union of Skills
At ESN, we strongly believe that the European Union must be a driving force in the development of skills and competencies by attracting talent from abroad and equipping young people with skills unique to different countries within the EU. This must be achieved through international mobility under the Erasmus+ programme.
When these individuals return home, they will not only be citizens of their own country but also citizens of the EU, capable of applying the knowledge gained from different countries, perspectives, and cultures. This experience provides them with a unique advantage in the job market. The Erasmus+ programme plays a crucial role in aligning the ambitious goals of the Union of Skills with its existing objectives, ultimately fostering a more resilient and strengthened European Union.
We would also like to emphasise that the Erasmus+ programme is a key driver of a competitive and well-prepared future. Student mobility represents one of the most powerful pathways to achieving the ambitious goals set by the strategy.
Our Contribution and Recommendations
In the document below, we are happy to share the conclusions drawn from ESN’s participation in the consultation, along with our views and recommendations on how the Union of Skills can be further developed to strengthen the higher education sector—with a particular focus on student mobility under the Erasmus+ programme.
You can find ESN’s Reaction and Recommendations to the Union of Skills in the document below.
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