Why Entrepreneurship Support Matters

• Because it boosts learning for everyone.
• Because it reduces prejudice and strengthens social integration.
• Because it equips children with disabilities to participate socially and economically.
• Because it requires trained teachers, supportive services and safe learning environments.
• Because it demands partnerships between parents, schools and disability advocacy groups.

Upskilling and Employability

In a fast-evolving world, having the right skills is more important than ever. Over the past decade, digitalisation and innovation have transformed how we live, work and learn – creating both opportunities and challenges for workers and employers.

As Europe moves past recent crises, there is a growing focus on long-term strategies for education, training and skills development. Support is especially necessary for young people and vulnerable groups.

European Commission launched the European Skills Agenda, a five-year plan to boost skills and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. Key actions include the Pact for Skills, investment in VET, promotion of STEM and entrepreneurial skills and the creation of micro-credentials.

Youth continue to face high unemployment. The European Pilar of Social Rights aims to reduce the share of NEETs from 15% to 9% by 2030.

In March 2025, the Commission introduced the Union of Skills strategy, bringing together education, training and employment policies under one vision. It aims to:

• Improve basic skill levels
• Expand lifelong learning
• Support business recruitment
• Position Europe as a leader in skills and innovation

Investing in People is Beneficial

In times of uncertainty, access to lifelong learning, career guidance and upskilling gives people agency. It helps them reinvent themselves when industries change or disappear, allowing them to remain active participants in economic life.

By investing in people’s potential, we are doing more than supporting personal growth – we are strengthening local economies, nurturing inclusive democracies, and building societies that value both innovation and compassion.

Shaping the Future of Inclusive Innovation

European entrepreneurial scene is evolving. In recent years, social entrepreneurship has been gaining its momentum, driven by digitalisation and inclusive growth. Yet, many people are still being left out. The OECD’s 2023 The Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report shows that women, youth, migrants and people with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the innovation economy.

Meanwhile, the EU is taking action. Initiatives like the EU Startup Nation Standard and the Single Market Programme are helping to break down barriers – making it easier for underserved communities to access funding, digital tools and mentoring so they can turn their ideas into real opportunities.

Building Capacity through Policy: EU Frameworks that Empower

The European Union is working hard to make the job market more inclusive and future-ready – and so we are. Several major EU strategies aim to boost employability and innovation, especially among marginalised groups. Our work directly supports these goals:

• European Skills Agenda (2020): A 5-year strategy to strengthen sustainable competitiveness and ensure social fairness through skills development.
• European Pilar of Social Rights: A commitment to equal opportunities, lifelong learning and support for everyone to access decent work.
• Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027): A strategy to help people of all ages build strong digital skills for learning and life.

We turn these strategies into real impact by offering practical training in entrepreneurship, career readiness and digital tools – with a special focus on youth, women, NEETs and other underrepresented groups. Through hands-on learning, advocacy and EU partnerships, we work to make sure no one gets left behind in the future of work.

Innovation Fuels Resilience

In today’s fast-changing world – where technology is transforming everything and the job market is constantly shifting – people need more than just qualifications. They need the confidence, creativity and digital skills to shape their own future.

Job-readiness, career guidance and vocational training provide dignity, purpose and independence. They empower individuals to escape cycles of poverty and exclusion and contribute meaningfully to their communities.