Union of Skills and Action Plan on Basic Skills: what they mean for adult learners
The Commission sets out to make regular upskilling the norm and to strengthen basic skills, including through more non-formal learning for adults.
On 5 March 2025 the European Commission presented the Union of Skills, its strategy to develop the EU's human capital and strengthen competitiveness. It came with an Action Plan on Basic Skills and a STEM Education Strategic Plan.
Five areas of action
- Higher levels of basic skills
- Lifelong opportunities for adults to regularly upskill and reskill — for example through a Skills Guarantee pilot
- Easier recruitment across the EU, including a Skills Portability Initiative
- Attracting and keeping the skills and talent Europe needs
- Stronger governance, with a European Skills High-Level Board
The Action Plan on Basic Skills sets out steps to improve basic reading, mathematics, science, digital and citizenship skills, from early years to adult learning — including more non-formal learning opportunities for adults.
What it means for adult learners
The need is clear: in 2022 only 39.5% of adults in the EU took part in learning, against an EU target of 60% by 2030. CAFÉ+ contributes by testing a low-threshold way in for adults who rarely take part — Skills Cafés in the places they already trust.