EUproVET has submitted its position paper to the European Commission as part of the consultation on the future European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training (VET), which closed on 19 February.

The paper underlines that Europe is facing a structural transformation driven by the green and digital transitions, demographic change, industrial policy and technological innovation. Delivering Europe’s strategic ambitions – from the Green Deal to industrial competitiveness and social resilience – will require a strong workforce of skilled professionals trained through high-quality VET systems.

EUproVET stresses that VET must be recognised not only as a labour market instrument but as strategic infrastructure for Europe’s economic resilience, territorial cohesion and innovation capacity. In many regions, particularly rural areas, VET institutions function as anchor organisations supporting entrepreneurship, generational renewal and local economic ecosystems.

The paper also highlights key challenges affecting VET systems across Europe: limited institutional flexibility, fragile funding structures, persistent social hierarchies between academic and vocational pathways, and barriers to mobility and recognition of qualifications. Addressing these challenges requires stronger policy coordination, long-term investment and improved cooperation between education providers, industry and public authorities.

EUproVET therefore proposes ten strategic recommendations, including strengthening Centres of Vocational Excellence, expanding mobility opportunities, improving labour market intelligence through AI-supported systems, investing in teachers and innovation ecosystems, and ensuring stable funding for VET through the next Erasmus+ programme and the EU budget.

These proposals aim to position VET as a central pillar of Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and social cohesion in the years ahead.