Arqus welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the Union of Skills

The Arqus European University Alliance welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the Union of Skills, recognizing it as a decisive step towards fostering a more integrated and forward-looking approach to skills development across Europe. As a network of nine research-intensive universities committed to transforming higher education, research and innovation through deep cooperation and progressive integration, Arqus supports the ambition to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and competencies needed for success in learning, work and life.

The Union of Skills communication highlights the importance of investing in human capital as a pillar for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and social cohesion. It aligns with Arqus’ mission to educate critical and socially engaged European citizens, generate excellent and challenge-driven knowledge and act as a committed societal and global player.

Skills beyond the labour market: a comprehensive vision

Arqus strongly supports the notion that “skills” should be understood in a broad sense, encompassing not only technical and vocational expertise but also critical thinking, intercultural competence, democratic resilience, and learning to learn. Universities play a key role in equipping individuals not just with employability skills but also with the ability to navigate complex societal challenges, engage in civic life and drive innovation for a sustainable future.

The Arqus Alliance believes that European universities must be at the core of this initiative, ensuring that education, research and innovation policies remain interconnected. European University alliances like Arqus already demonstrate the transformative power of cross-border collaboration, fostering joint educational programmes, research projects and mobility schemes that contribute to a more cohesive European Education Area.

Arqus emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in skills policies, advocating for greater access to higher education, increased participation of underrepresented groups and stronger lifelong learning strategies. The Alliance is committed to removing barriers and providing flexible, challenge-based and research-driven learning opportunities for students, professionals and citizens alike.

While welcoming the Union of Skills, Arqus urges policymakers to reinforce institutional collaboration frameworks and to facilitate the mutual recognition of qualifications across borders. The Alliance also calls for stronger mechanisms to bridge gaps between national regulatory frameworks to enable seamless cooperation in education and research and ensure the sustainability of the university alliances.

As a European University Alliance dedicated to building transformative excellence with and for all, Arqus looks forward to engaging with policymakers, industry partners and civil society to ensure that skills development in Europe is inclusive, future-oriented and deeply connected to universities’ core missions.