On 26 November 2021, SGI Europe addressed the EESC’s Labour Market Observatory remote public hearing covering the topic of ‘a Just Transition for workers of European industries: fostering opportunities for reskilling and upskilling’.

The event focused on how skills investments can support the twin transition and contribute to a fair recovery, ensuring a just transition for workers of European industries and taking into consideration the need to strengthen opportunities for reskilling and upskilling. The panels included representatives of the European Social Partners, the European Commission, Eurofound, Cedefop, the EESC, and civil society organisations.

SGI Europe underlined that the just transition must include a dedicated approach which emphasises the access to SGIs and essential services, in line with Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It is essential to put in place more effective and sustainable support mechanisms for guaranteeing access to all essential services, and for mitigating the adverse impact of the green transition such as raising prices for energy and transport, focusing on the vulnerable groups.

SGI Europe highlighted that the investment gaps in the education and training systems foster doubts about a twin transition that should deliver quality employment and upwards social convergence across the EU. This context requires better support for the education and training providers, as well as strengthening the collaboration between the education providers and employers for tackling skills shortages and mismatches, and creating national just transition strategies with the involvement of the social partners.

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