On Tuesday, 24 February, AmCham EU hosted Stefan Olsson, Deputy Director-General, Jobs, Skills and Social Policies, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission to discuss how closing the skills gap can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. As shortages across sectors continue to affect productivity, investment and innovation, participants reflected on progress one year after the launch of the Union of Skills and the importance of sustained public-private cooperation. The discussion explored how Europe can build a future-ready workforce to support the green and digital transitions while addressing labour market mismatches. Aurelia Takacs (Cisco), Chair, Social Impact, Inclusion and Skills Committee, AmCham EU moderated the discussion and examined practical policy solutions to strengthen skills development, improve labour market alignment and support inclusive economic growth. 

By 2035, high-tech roles will make up a significant share of employment across the EU, yet many young people still lack the digital skills needed to succeed. Amazon is helping bridge this gap through initiatives in Poland and Spain. In Warsaw, the company supports STEM Kindloteka, a modern hub offering young people free, interactive workshops in coding, robotics and virtual reality. In Spain, Amazon is working with the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports to train 500,000 students in digital and technological skills by 2027. These efforts strengthen Europe’s talent pipeline and support long-term competitiveness. Learn more about Amazon’s commitment to digital skills development on Invested in Europe. 

On Monday, 8 December, AmCham EU hosted a lunch to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Held at 65 degrés, a Brussels-based restaurant that employs staff with disabilities, the event highlighted the value of inclusive workplaces. The lunch provided an opportunity for business representatives to exchange with EU stakeholders on how the private sector is advancing inclusion. Discussions also focused on how collaboration between public institutions and businesses can foster equal opportunities and promote a more accessible and inclusive society for all. 

Amongst others, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General, Directorate General, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission and Didrik de Schaetzen, Secretary General, ALDE Party joined the discussion. 

Along with beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine, Brittany is a hub for cutting-edge innovation, thanks to strategic investments in research and technology. InterDigital established its largest research centre in Rennes in 2019, employing local engineers to develop next-generation video, wireless and artificial intelligence technologies. The company partners with the French Research Institute for Computer Science and Automation and the University of Rennes 1, fostering collaboration with researchers and students. In 2025, InterDigital was awarded ‘Produit en Bretagne’ accreditation, recognising its regional impact. Learn how InterDigital is investing in European innovation and talent through its state-of-the-art Rennes facility on Invested in Europe.

Across Europe, the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills continues to grow. In Romania, Honeywell is helping bridge that divide through long-term partnerships with universities and schools that prepare students for careers in industrial automation, aerospace and transport. Over the past decade, the company has established and equipped automation labs, supported innovation competitions such as FutureShapers Camp and Techallenge, and offered internships that provide practical, hands-on experience. By helping young people apply classroom theory to real-world challenges, Honeywell is nurturing next-generation talent and strengthening the link between education and employment. Learn how initiatives like Honeywell’s are supporting Europe’s future workforce on Invested in Europe.

3M is investing in vocational education and skills development across Europe, underscoring its commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready workforce. As the Main Skills Sponsor of EuroSkills 2025, held in Herning, Denmark, the company supported around 600 young apprentices and students from 33 countries as they showcased their talents across 38 skill areas, in everything from mechatronics to health and social care. By providing innovative products, solutions and technical expertise, 3M empowered participants to tackle complex challenges, while developing practical capabilities and connecting with leading companies and prestigious education and training institutions. Through its partnership with EuroSkills, the company is helping strengthen Europe’s skills ecosystem and equip the next generation with the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving labour market. Learn how initiatives like 3M’s are shaping Europe’s workforce on Invested in Europe.