BusinessEurope Urges Action on European Skills Shortages
Business operators face ongoing talent gaps as the European Union pushes to increase adult training rates to 60% by 2030.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Employment
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BusinessEurope is calling on the European Union to tackle persistent skills shortages driven by rapid digital and green transitions. Meanwhile, the latest European Employment and Social Outlook report highlights a decade of improvements in overall job quality across the region.
Why it matters
Labor shortages and skills mismatches are creating operational hurdles, forcing companies to increase investment in training to maintain productivity. Addressing these gaps is critical as the EU pushes toward a 60% adult training target by 2030.
Deloitte research shows 82% of European companies now rely on continuous staff training to close skills gaps. This comes as the EU aims to reach a 60% adult training participation rate by 2030 to bolster economic resilience.
The players
BusinessEurope
An umbrella organization that represents the business community and industrial federations at the European Union level.
Deloitte
A global professional services firm that conducts research and analysis on labor markets and organizational workforce challenges.
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and implementing regional policy.
The details
To combat mismatches, companies are increasingly adopting flexible, modular learning programs and updated curricula to align staff capabilities with market demands. This strategy aims to curb turnover and boost productivity, particularly as high energy prices continue to weigh on household incomes across member states.
Timeline
2016-2026: Job quality across the European Union improved over this decade.
2026: The European Employment and Social Outlook report was released.
2030: Deadline for the European Union to achieve its 60% adult training target.
Market Landscape
This push by BusinessEurope follows the EU's 2030 adult training target, marking a shift in how firms approach workforce development. It reflects a broader institutional move to standardize employment quality, with the European Commission now planning a forthcoming Quality Jobs Act.
Operators should evaluate if their current training programs are modular and flexible enough to meet evolving digital and green job requirements. Anticipate future compliance adjustments as the European Commission prepares to introduce the Quality Jobs Act.
The takeaway
Productivity gains rely heavily on reducing staff turnover through consistent, high-quality professional development. Review your current training budget against the 2030 EU training benchmarks to ensure your company remains competitive in a tightening labor market.
Further reading
For broader trends in workforce development, explore our Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EU Reporter.
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