A network of major European cities has called on the EU to place its members at the heart of efforts to boost digital skills, tackle unemployment and prepare citizens for the high value jobs of the future.
The number of EU citizens not in education, employment or training (NEETs) is growing, and many lack the basic skills they need to be a part of the modern economy. This lack of skills has a negative impact on long-term unemployment and inequality.
More than 40% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills, according to the European Commission. The executive also predicts that the skills gap will lead to 756,000 unfilled jobs in the EU’s high tech industries by 2020.
To address this issue, the Commission has launched its New Skills Agenda for Europe. This scheme is designed to equip Europeans with more, and more relevant skills by connecting education and businesses and recognising skills learned outside of school.
