On 18 September 2025, EARLALL hosted a webinar on “Tourism Sector Skills Analysis: Understanding Skills Challenges and Opportunities in the Tourism Sector Across European Regions”, bringing together around 30 participants from across Europe, including regional officers, educators, and project professionals. The event was part of EARLALL’s ongoing series examining regional skills needs in key economic sectors, with a focus on sustainable and future-ready workforce development.

Tourism is a vital driver of the European economy, supporting millions of jobs, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering local innovation. The sector is also evolving toward greener and more inclusive models, creating opportunities for regional development—but skilled workers remain central to fully realizing this potential.

The webinar opened with a presentation by Elfa Kere from the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission. Elfa provided a European snapshot of the tourism sector, which employs around 20 million people across 4.5 million enterprises, noting that up to 1 million jobs could potentially remain unfilled due to skills shortages.

She also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the EU Pact for Skills and the Tourism Partnership with over 100 members. Key challenges include maintaining a balance between visitors and residents, addressing workforce needs in remote and rural areas, and developing the upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, currently open for public consultation until 25 September. Participants were encouraged to join the EU Tourism platform to contribute to shaping the strategy.

EARLALL Regions sharing Tourism challenges and opportunities

Many of EARLALL’s partners are active in the tourism sector, making it essential to understand the current skills landscape across regions. The regional panel brought together examples from Trentino, Castilla y Leon, Switzerland, and Flanders, showcasing initiatives and projects aimed at addressing workforce challenges, promoting sustainable tourism, tackling seasonal and demographic issues, and creating new opportunities for regional tourism development.

Trentino, Italy

Veronica Mazza and Luca D’Angelo from the Trentino Labour Agency shared regional strategies for addressing tourism workforce challenges, particularly seasonal labour shortages during peak summer periods. Veronica highlighted the campaign “Trentino Tourism is Looking For You”, which matches job seekers with hospitality positions such as chefs, waitstaff, and bar personnel. Luca presented a pilot Job Active Action Pact involving 20–25 committed hoteliers, fostering collaboration between the labour agency, tourism board, and local businesses to optimise workforce matching.

Castilla y Leon, Spain

Representatives from CIFP Felipe VI highlighted Castilla y Leon’s rich cultural and natural tourism assets, from World Heritage Sites like Avila, Salamanca, and Segovia to rural destinations such as Picos de Europa. With over 70 million domestic tourists and 1.35 million international visitors annually, the region employs 106,716 workers in tourism, including 84,000 in hospitality, representing 7.4% of regional employment. The presentation also explored opportunities in sustainable tourism and initiatives to increase overnight stays.

Switzerland – Agri-Hospitality and Tourism Innovation

Michael Gibbert from La Fontana Living Lab, EHL Hospitality Business School, shared insights from a collaboration linking agricultural and hospitality education. Student-led projects aim to address seasonal fluctuations, integrate local ingredients, and optimize the value chain, providing innovative solutions for workforce and operational challenges.

Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium

Marleen Mast and Ariane Jacobs from Crescendo CVO, Mechelen, presented local initiatives to strengthen tourism skills. TheCity Ambassador Program trains around 20 students annually to serve as volunteer ambassadors, supporting visitors and promoting heritage while addressing local hospitality workforce needs. The program also includes practical training modules, a city guide course, and initiatives such as historical exhibitions and a Living Library project.

Participants actively engaged throughout the webinar, asking questions and learning about regional best practices. Discussions underscored the importance of collaboration across regions, as well as the potential for future cooperation to address workforce challenges in tourism.

This session marks an important step in EARLALL’s sectoral skills analysis series, which continues with upcoming webinars focusing on other key sectors, including applied arts and craftsmanship (December 2025). By connecting policy perspectives, regional initiatives, and innovative practices, EARLALL aims to build a future-ready workforce across European regions.

Resources

On 17 September, EARLALL held a joint working group session featuring a presentation by UP PAMINA VHS on transborder educational cooperation. The meeting highlighted initiatives supporting people with fewer opportunities, as well as upcoming autumn activities.

Connecting Across Borders
The session opened with insights from the external speaker, Irene Schäfer, from UP PAMINA VHS. By offering around 100 annual classes across disciplines to approximately 2,000 participants each year, UP PAMINA VHS has extensive experience in cross-border adult education between France and Germany. Irene emphasized how partnerships with local authorities and charities enable broad accessibility and ensure learning opportunities reach diverse communities.

The discussion explored ways to link UP PAMINA VHS initiatives with EARLALL working groups, including mobility programs, employment-related projects, and cross-border collaboration for people with fewer opportunities.

Nicholas Waller, from the Department of Working Life and co-chair of the Working Group on Mobility, shared updates on upcoming mobility exchanges and highlighted initiatives targeting people with fewer opportunities, including ongoing surveys of regional programs and matchmaking tools designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices.

Miriana Bucalossi, from the Tuscany region and chair of the Working Group on Youth Policies, presented findings from an ongoing survey on apprenticeships across EARLALL regions.

Andrea Bernert-Bürkle from Baden-Württemberg and Camilla Winter (Camilla Winter AB and EARLALL associate member) shared insights from the Lifelong Guidance and Ageing Societies Working Group, focusing on strategies to promote senior mobility and lifelong learning pathways.

Policy Updates and Shaping the 2026 Work Plan
The Secretariat provided updates on key EU policy developments. The meeting also discussed EARLALL’s 2026 Work Plan, inviting participants to share ideas and priorities that will guide upcoming initiatives.

On 16 September 2025, the 14th EARLALL Academy session took place online, focusing on the Erasmus+ priority of Inclusion and Diversity and how to make mobility more accessible for learners with fewer opportunities.

The event featured Pernilla Andersson, Development Leader and co-author of the KRUT Across Borders Mobility Handbook.

Participants gained valuable insights into the benefits of mobility for disadvantaged learners and strategies to design inclusive projects. Discussions also addressed the barriers that prevent equal access to mobility and presented practical solutions to support learners in overcoming them. Financial constraints, geographical location, lack of support structures, or social and cultural obstacles often prevent underrepresented groups from fully participating in international learning exchanges. Tackling these challenges is crucial to ensure that Erasmus+ and other mobility programmes live up to their mission of making education and training more inclusive.

On 15 September 2025, Noelia Cantero, Director of EARLALL, participated in the Provincial Platform for Adult Education hosted by the Province of West Flanders at Provinciehuis Boeverbos in Bruges. The meeting gathered key regional stakeholders to exchange on strategies for strengthening adult education and lifelong learning opportunities.

In her presentation, Ms. Cantero showcased EARLALL’s work in fostering interregional cooperation and supporting European and regional policy development in education and training. She underlined the importance of regional alliances in shaping effective lifelong learning ecosystems, sharing examples from EARLALL members’ initiatives across Europe.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for fruitful dialogue with West Flanders representatives and partners. The Provincial Platform for Adult Education stood out as a good practice example, illustrating how local actors can coordinate efforts to enhance adult education provision. Its collaborative approach – bringing together education providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders – was praised as a model that could inspire other European regions.

Following the platform meeting, Ms. Cantero joined a lunch discussion with the West Flanders Partnership for Lifelong Learning (#blijfkennismaken.be). This informal exchange allowed for deeper conversations on regional strategies to boost participation in lifelong learning and to address skills needs in a rapidly changing labour market.

The engagement in Bruges further strengthened the ties between EARLALL and West Flanders, opening doors for future collaboration within Europe’s broader lifelong learning and skills agenda.

On 11–12 September 2025, European Union education ministers met in Billund and Herning under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Herning Declaration, which sets out a renewed commitment to strengthen European cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training (VET). 

The Herning Declaration follows the Osnabrück Declaration (2020), which laid down a roadmap for European VET cooperation for the period 2021–2025. While the Osnabrück Declaration focused on recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the twin digital and green transitions, the Herning Declaration updates this framework in light of ongoing challenges, including demographic change and labour market transformation.

The Herning Declaration underlines several shared priorities for VET systems across Europe, including:

  • Quality and relevance: Ensuring that VET responds to changing labour market needs, particularly in light of digital, green and demographic transitions.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders: Reinforcing the role of social partners and other actors in shaping VET provision.
  • Attractiveness and inclusion: Promoting equal access to VET for all learners, including young people, adults, and disadvantaged groups.
  • Mobility and cooperation: Strengthening cross-border exchange of learners and staff to support mutual learning and innovation.

For regions and local authorities, the Declaration highlights the importance of VET as a tool for responding to social and economic challenges. It also provides a framework that may guide future policies and initiatives at the regional level.

As EARLALL members continue to address issues such as skills shortages, youth opportunities, and lifelong learning, the Herning Declaration offers a common European reference point for ongoing discussions and collaboration.

On 12 September 2025, EARLALL took part in the International Coordination and PR2 meeting, hosted online by the University of Florence. During this meeting, EARLALL network members engaged in discussions around the Interreg Europe project SALAM, presented by Francesca Torlone. The event also welcomed potential partners from Poltava, Ukraine, creating opportunities to expand collaboration.

For EARLALL, the meeting was an important platform to underline its role in fostering strong inter-regional cooperation and supporting the validation of SALAM’s results. The project aims to strengthen connections between governments and stakeholders, with EARLALL contributing to the exchange of knowledge across its member regions.

A central focus was placed on how SALAM, collects data, identifies best practices, and improves services for migrant entrepreneurs and Internationally Displaced Persons (IDPs). By promoting regional VET and ALE systems, the project works toward greater inclusion in the labour market and sustainable opportunities for displaced communities.

The meeting also highlighted SALAM’s bilateral activities, which allow EARLALL members and stakeholders to share insights on foreign policies, services for IDPs, and the development of policy instruments. These activities are documented on the SALAM dashboard, ensuring that members can access and benefit from shared practices while reinforcing performance indicators (PIs) which is a crucial step for securing future EU funding.

EARLALL’s communication role was recognised as key in increasing the visibility and impact of SALAM. Examples shared by Västra Götaland Region (VGR) illustrated how cooperation with Ukraine in areas such as non-formal education centres and teacher training demonstrates the tangible contribution of VET and ALE to capacity building.

On 11 September 2025, EARLALL Director Noelia Cantero joined the second session of the Mode d’Emploi Europewebinar series, titled “Les réseaux européens, ma Région… et moi ?”, organised by Région Centre-Val de Loire.

The webinar gathered around 60 participants representing local and regional stakeholders from across Centre-Val de Loire and beyond. It provided an opportunity to highlight the vital role of European networks in strengthening regional cooperation, exchanging best practices, and amplifying local voices at EU level.

During her intervention, Noelia Cantero presented EARLALL’s mission and activities, showcasing concrete examples of how regions collaborate within the network to influence European lifelong learning policies and implement innovative projects – such as SALAM (Funded by Interreg Europe) or the EARLALL Mobility Matching Tool.

The interactive format encouraged dialogue between regional players and European networks, underlining the value of connecting local priorities with EU opportunities. The event also reinforced the importance of partnerships like EARLALL in supporting regions to navigate European programmes and amplify their impact.

This webinar series continues to be an important platform for fostering closer links between European networks and regional actors, strengthening their capacity to work together on shared challenges in education, training, and skills.

EARLALL welcomes this initiative, which not only strengthens cooperation between European networks and regional actors but also increases the visibility of the network among its members.

The Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025, held in Kolding, Denmark, on 8–9 September, brought together over 350 participants from across Europe and beyond. Policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and students gathered to explore how Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) can strengthen skills ecosystems, support digital and green transitions, and make vocational education and training (VET) more inclusive and attractive.

Plenary discussions underscored the need to align vocational training with labour market demands, integrate digital and green skills, and enhance the visibility of VET across Europe.

Manuela Geleng (European Commission, DG EMPL) emphasized that “skills are at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness,” highlighting VET’s critical role in addressing labour shortages and supporting economic resilience.

A particularly contribution came from Mads Haugsbøll, Secretary General of the Danish VET Student’s Association, who emphasized that VET still faces an image challenge. Too often seen as a “second choice,” VET needs better storytelling, stronger integration of practical and theoretical learning, and more opportunities for cross-border mobility. He stressed that students gain not only skills but also confidence, intercultural awareness, and meaningful connections to the world of work—key markers of vocational excellence.

LCAMP: Putting Learners at the Centre

In the afternoon workshop “Blueprints for Brilliance: Designing Diverse Centres of Vocational Excellence,” Alicia Gabán Barrio, Communications and Project Manager at EARLALL, presented the Learner-Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform (LCAMP), coordinated by TKNIKA in the Basque Country.

Alicia emphasized that true excellence in CoVEs is not defined solely by structures, governance, or funding—but by the opportunities created for learners and workers.

“In LCAMP, mobility and inclusiveness aren’t challenges—they’re opportunities,” Alicia noted. “Learners don’t just gain technical knowledge; they build confidence, intercultural awareness, and a sense of belonging to a European and global skills ecosystem.”

Looking Ahead

Alicia concluded her session by announcing the next LCAMP Networking Conference and Students Hub, scheduled for 21–23 April 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain, inviting stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of vocational excellence.

The Forum on Vocational Excellence 2025 highlighted that achieving excellence in VET requires collaboration, innovation, and a clear focus on learners’ needs. LCAMP’s approach, showcased by Alicia, reinforces the principle that putting learners at the centre ensures vocational education is relevant, impactful, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the European labour market.

On 3 September 2025, SwissCore celebrated its 30th anniversary in Brussels, marking three decades of supporting dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships between Switzerland and the European Union in the fields of education, research, and innovation. EARLALL was honoured to be invited to this milestone event and warmly congratulates SwissCore for its continued commitment to strengthening European collaboration.

The programme opened with words of welcome by Laurin Reding, Head of Office at SwissCore, followed by an opening speech from Martina Hirayama, Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation. She highlighted Switzerland’s strong engagement in European cooperation, positioning education and knowledge as cornerstones of mutual growth.

The celebratory keynote address by Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, underscored the importance of continental cooperation for competitiveness. He pointed out that only by standing together can Europe remain a global leader in research and innovation.

Throughout the afternoon, a series of panel discussions and video contributions illustrated how fundamental research translates into innovation, how education and research impact socioeconomic development, and how future skills will be decisive for academia, the labour market, and democracy.

A special moment came with the keynote address by Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness at the European Commission. She stressed the value of EU-Switzerland cooperation, grounded in shared values such as a commitment to education and knowledge. She further underlined that the work of Movetia—Switzerland’s national agency for exchange and mobility and a proud EARLALL member—is a strong testimony of Switzerland’s dedication to supporting mobility.

The Commissioner emphasised that, looking ahead to the next EU funding period, Erasmus mobility should become a right for every citizen, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. She also highlighted the need to make Europe more attractive as a hub for research and as a dynamic labour market.

Movetia, one of SwissCore’s key pillars, shared inspiring examples of how mobility contributes to personal growth, strengthens institutions, and fosters innovation. Their work stands as a concrete illustration of the positive impact that cross-border exchange has on European societies.

The day concluded with celebratory messages, a Swiss-themed walking dinner, and an official birthday gathering with SwissCore alumni, marking a festive close to an event that combined reflection, inspiration, and forward-looking dialogue.
EARLALL congratulates SwissCore once again on this anniversary and looks forward to continuing to collaborate with its members and partners to advance opportunities for learners, workers, and citizens across Europe.

We are delighted to share that WISE partners have embarked on the needs assessment phase of the project. This stage is essential to ensure that WISE integrated holistic approach is shaped by the real experiences and challenges faced by Ukrainian refugee women. The Holistic Support Center (HSC) model will be designed as holistic centres.

As part of this phase, WISE partners are conducting Key Informant Interviews (KII) with relevant stakeholders. The aim is to gather comprehensive insights to adapt activities to the local context, develop a HSC model together with key stakeholders and UA refugee women, and later contextualise the development of the AI-powered tool for skills assessment. The HSC will integrate mental health and psychosocial support with employability and social services, including job readiness, skills assessment, skills building, mental health support, personalized case management, mental health and psychosocial support group activities with gender perspective.

The interviews target a wide range of actors, including Ukrainian refugee women as well as education and service providers.

In addition, the first focus group discussion was organised by the Animus Association Foundation in Sofia (Bulgaria) on 16 June 2025, with nine Ukrainian women taking part in a safe and supportive environment. The session was conducted in person and followed a semi-structured format, using guiding questions to encourage open dialogue and sharing of experiences.

Profile of focus group participants

The women represented a wide range of professional backgrounds, including teaching, psychology, the arts, finance, and beauty services. Most arrived in Bulgaria in 2022, although a few have been resident for more than three years. Despite their high levels of education and professional expertise, many remain either unemployed or engaged in low-paid and precarious work. Several are also the sole providers for children or relatives with disabilities, which places additional strain on their ability to access stable employment.

Main Insights

Barriers to Employment

The most pressing challenge faced by participants is their limited command of Bulgarian and English, which restricts access to most formal job opportunities. Although many of the women possess higher education or professional qualifications, they are unable to practise in their fields due to certification requirements or insufficient language proficiency. Family responsibilities, particularly childcare, further limit the ability to commit to full-time positions. Several women reported being offered only informal work arrangements, which often lack security and expose them to labor exploitation. In addition, age discrimination was highlighted, affecting both younger women in their mid-thirties and those over sixty.

Voices from the focus group

“I need to work, but I can’t take just any job. I have a daughter to collect from school.”

“I was a psychologist in Ukraine. Here, I can’t practise because I don’t know the language well enough.”

“I rented a place to work as a beautician, but the landlord didn’t make a contract. I agreed. And then problems started.”

The consultation in Sofia highlighted that Ukrainian women encounter multiple and overlapping barriers to entering the labour market, including language, discrimination, care responsibilities, and legal uncertainties. Nevertheless, they demonstrate resilience, motivation, and a strong skills base. Clear information, tailored support, and targeted job-matching initiatives will be essential to unlock their potential and enable fair access to employment.

On 2 September 2025, EARLALL convened its Brussels-based representatives to present the network’s plans and activities for 2025, and to explore recent EU policy developments. The meeting was kindly hosted by Region Västra Götaland.

This informal strategic meeting provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect after the break, welcome new colleagues to the Brussels network, and align on priorities for the dynamic months ahead. EARLALL’s Brussels-based representatives benefited from an insightful presentation delivered by Andrei Frank, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the Lifelong Learning Platform, of which EARLALL is a member. These covered the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the education priorities of the upcoming Danish EU Presidency and updates from the. Participants discussed the implications of these developments for regional strategies and funding opportunities. In addition to the presentation, representatives also reviewed EARLALL’s autumn agenda and explored regional priorities for 2025–2026.

Multiannual Financial Framework

Andrei presented key updates on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), including the proposal to make Erasmus+ a standalone programme.

Danish EU Presidency

The upcoming Danish Presidency will initiate MFF negotiations and revise the European Education Area Strategic Framework.

Union of Skills

Union of Skills Initiative Launched in March 2025, the Union of Skills’ key upcoming elements include the Basic Skills Support Scheme (deadline for applications: 19 September), the 2030 Roadmap for digital education, and initiatives like the EU Teachers Agenda, VET Strategy, and Skills Portability – all expected by 2026.

European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe

The Education Intergroup in the European Parliament, co-chaired by four MEPs, continues to push for stronger education funding and policy focus – particularly on teachers. The group is supported by LLLP and EFEE and plays a strategic role in shaping parliamentary discussions.

The meeting continued with a discussion on regional priorities for 2025–2026 and EARLALL’s autumn agenda. Highlights include the upcoming General Assembly 2025, which will take place from 5 to 7 November in Mechelen. The programme will feature a public workshop focused on boosting VET and ALE attractiveness across regions. In addition, EARLALL will actively contribute to the EU Week of Regions (14–15 October 2025) with sessions on lifelong learning for regional development, gender equality and digital safety in education, as well as a side event on unlocking territories’ and people’s potential.

In mid-2025, the Horizon Europe-funded TRAILS project reached key milestones in its Experiment phase — spearheading the next wave of its AI-powered skills-matching tools. Underpinning both regional pilot preparations in Tuscany and Sweden is the crucial coordination and facilitation led by EARLALL, ensuring the smooth design and planning of these experimental implementations.

Strategic Workshop in Tuscany — Setting the Technical Framework

On 3 July 2025 in Siena, the Region of Tuscany hosted a full-day strategic workshop at ITS Vita, gathering a wide array of stakeholders from the region’s employment and education ecosystem. The session, led by SkillLab, sought to define the operational and technical parameters for the Tuscan pilot, drawing on personalized skill assessments to better match individuals with relevant training opportunities. This marks a significant step in TRAILS’ broader experimental study to empower informed career decisions through skills intelligence.

Workshop in Borås, Sweden — Advancing Pilot Planning on the Ground

Building on the momentum from Tuscany, the TRAILS team met again on 29 August 2025 in Borås (Region Västra Götaland), hosted by Higher Vocational Education. Organised by EARLALL and led by SkillLab’s Christoph Bretgeld, the workshop convened professionals including employment advisors, counsellors, labour market administrators, and IT coordinators. The group focused on understanding user journeys, identifying existing systems, avoiding redundancies, sketching a prototype of the local pilot (including user groups and timelines), and exploring possible tools from SkillLab.

EARLALL ensures the TRAILS project is shaped by on-the-ground realities and stakeholder expertise across regional and local contexts.

The TRAILS project (January 2024–January 2027) is a three-year initiative led by the Democritus University of Thrace, working alongside partners including SkillLab, EARLALL, and others. Its ambition is to harness AI and big data to address the persistent challenge of skills mismatches in Europe.

The Experiment phase — with pilots in Tuscany, Sweden and one more in Baden-Württemberg, and others — seeks to validate the effectiveness of AI-generated training recommendations. Beginning in summer 2025, these pilots activate personalized skill assessments to guide unemployed participants toward tailored learning paths, all while involving local training providers to map courses to relevant skill sets.

Caption: Borås Workshop, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden (1 and 2) and Tuscany Workshop (3).