Lower bills and greater skills: what is on the European energy policy agenda?

The soaring energy prices have citizens demanding more from Europe’s clean energy transition. Alongside the challenge of addressing climate change, European energy policy has ambitious socio-economic targets, and the European Year of Skills clearly reflects this agenda: how can the sustainable energy sector build a European workforce equipped with the necessary skills for the society of today and tomorrow? With the theme of this year’s European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) designated: ‘Accelerating the clean energy transition - towards lower bills and greater skills’, reskilling and upskilling will be a key focus in the run-up to and during the main event week.   

TRANSFORMING EUROPE’S LABOUR MARKET

Europe’s Green Deal entails a societal transformation that will mean a shift in the skills needed in the workforce. With an entire thematic block of policy sessions on ‘Skills for the clean energy transition’, there will be a strong focus on engaging in impactful conversations about the skills needed to transform Europe’s energy landscape.  

SKILLS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

The fourth edition of the European Youth Energy Day, taking place during EUSEW 2023, will put young people into the spotlight throughout the week’s discussions. EUSEW strives to grow as a meaningful platform for youth to provide their input on par with high-level policy and established industry representatives and shape Europe’s energy future. Accounting for what Europe’s youth knows and believes in, and taking on what they have to say is key to ensuring that they have the skills to play an active role in the economy.   

MORE PARTNERS ACROSS SECTORS

Small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart of the skills transition in Europe, and working together is essential to meet their needs. Any business is made up of people, so networking at the EUSEW 2023 Energy Fair will help thousands of participants find future collaborators with the right skills, or discuss common challenges and share knowledge face to face. Not least, the Policy Conference offers multiple spaces to foster exchanges between policy, enterprise and research innovation, creating synergies from the conference room into the day-to-day work. 

SUPPORTING LOCAL SOLUTIONS IN EUROPE AND BEYOND

Locally-organised Sustainable Energy Days allow individuals and organisations in Europe and around the world to address key issues they are facing in the clean energy transition. Whether you are an SME wanting to bring attention towards the skills shortage in your sector, or an educational institution that has identified a key opportunity to support their students in developing valuable expertise for the future, registering your event as a EUSEW Sustainable Energy Day will help others discover it and ensure you meet your goals.   

By putting skills high on the agenda, Europe is ensuring the effective delivery of the green transition and giving communities, businesses and innovators the chance to benefit from and expand on the opportunities it delivers.  

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