GLAD Update No. 5, July 2026
Welcome to the fifth edition of the GLAD Update. This issue highlights recent developments shaping skills governance across Europe and EU candidate countries, from the launch of the European Skills High Level Board and discussions on the Union of Skills, to practical experiences in Youth Guarantee implementation and adult learning finance. We also look ahead to upcoming opportunities for learning and exchange within the GLAD community.
1. From Vision to Action: The European Skills High Level Board Gets to Work
The European Skills High Level Board, a central component in advancing the European Commission’s Union of Skills strategy, held its inaugural meeting on 19 May 2026, bringing together representatives from education, business, training institutions, and skills experts to identify priorities for Europes skills agenda. Chaired by Ylva Johansson, in her function as a Special Adviser reporting to Executive Vice-President Mînzatu, the meeting highlighted the strategic importance of skills for competitiveness, social cohesion and democratic resilience, with discussions focused on addressing persistent skills mismatches and preparing citizens for a rapidly changing labour market. Board members, comprising businesses, education and training providers, and social partners, drew attention to the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), artificial intelligence, vocational education and training, lifelong learning, and stronger links between education and employment. Participants also stressed the need to support teachers and trainers, unlock untapped talent, improve coordination of funding, and ensure that education continues to foster not only technical expertise but also critical thinking, resilience and democratic citizenship.
The Board concluded by agreeing to focus its future work on strengthening connections between education and the labour market and widening the talent pipeline for STEM, while exploring broader issues such as basic skills and funding in subsequent meetings. These themes were the focus of the Boards second meeting on 15 June in Brussels, which focused on sectoral partnerships for lifelong skills and employment and on flexible pathways into STEM professions to widen the talent pipeline, for which the conclusions will soon be available. More information: European Skills High-Level Board - Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
2. Effective governance in practice: two recent GLAD activities
💡 The GLAD webinar “Governance of Youth Guarantee – sharing practices" was held on 16 June 2026.
The GLAD webinar “Governance of Youth Guarantee – Sharing Practices”, organised by the ETF on 16 June 2026, explored how stronger governance can improve support for young people transitioning into education, training and employment. Drawing on an ETF study of Youth Guarantee implementation, the event highlighted common challenges such as fragmented delivery, weak coordination and limited data sharing. Country case studies from Albania, Slovenia and Estonia, presented by Jonida Lika, Jana Rožac and Heidi Paabort respectively, showcased how partnerships between employment services, education providers, municipalities, employers and civil society can strengthen outreach, coordination and personalised support for young people and the importance of integrated services, local partnerships and interoperable data systems in delivering effective Youth Guarantee schemes. More information: GLAD online meeting "Governance of Youth Guarantee – sharing practices", 16 June 2026
💡GLAD webinar “Financing of Adult Learning – Which are the missing links?”, organised jointly by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and DVV International on 2 July 2026
The GLAD webinar on “Financing of Adult Learning – Which Are the Missing Links?”, jointly organised by the ETF and DVV International on 2 July 2026, explored how adult learning can be better financed and recognised as a strategic investment. Speakers highlighted the gap between policy commitments and funding, noting that adult learning remains underfunded in many countries. The discussion examined financing instruments such as training levies, vouchers and Individual Learning Accounts, with particular attention to Croatia's successful voucher system, which has expanded participation through a combination of legal reform, quality assurance and blended funding. Speakers concluded that stronger policy dialogue, better data and evidence, a lifelong learning investment mindset, and continued support for trainers and pedagogical innovation are essential to strengthening adult learning systems. More information: GLAD webinar Summary: Financing of Adult Learning – Which are the missing links? | Open Space
3. Latest from academia
Lundgren, A. and Meijer, M. W. (2025) “Skills Ecosystems – a Solution to the Skills Problem? Experiences from the Nordics”, Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies. doi: 10.18291/njwls.156990.
A recent study by Anna Lundgren and Mari Wøien Meijer explores how Nordic regions are addressing skills shortages and mismatches through the development of regional skills ecosystems. Drawing on case studies across the Nordic countries, the authors examine how education providers, labour market actors, businesses and public authorities work together to analyse skills needs, coordinate policies and support workforce development. The findings suggest that strong cross-sector partnerships and multi-level governance arrangements can improve the responsiveness of skills systems and help tackle persistent skills challenges. The article offers valuable insights for ongoing discussions on skills governance, stakeholder engagement and regional cooperation across Europe. Skills Ecosystems – a Solution to the Skills Problem? Experiences from the Nordics | Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies
4. Key events ✨ Save the Date
GLAD Network for EU Candidate Countries - knowledge sharing and dissemination event, 29 September 2026
The work of the ETF-supported GLAD Network for EU candidate countries was recently showcased at the June meeting of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (ACVT), where employer representatives Aneta Petrovska-Rusomaroski (North Macedonia) and Koli Sinjari (Albania) shared lessons from peer learning and exchange across the region. Their presentation emphasised the importance of effective coordination, social dialogue, employer engagement and shared ownership of skills reforms by governments and social partners. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomed the initiative and called for stronger cooperation between social partners from the EU and candidate countries, including through collaboration between ETF and Cedefop.
Building on this momentum, an ETF webinar on 29 September 2026, open to the wider GLAD Network, will present the main findings, including a paper on the governance of skills reforms in candidate countries and reflections on preparations for participation in the Union of Skills. The event will provide an opportunity to share experiences, discuss governance challenges and strengthen mutual learning between candidate countries and EU Member States.
We look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead. Until then, we wish all members of the GLAD community a restful and enjoyable summer break!
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