Brussels, 6 February 2026 – VET4EU2, the network of VET associations in Europe, welcomes the appointment of former Commissioner Ylva Johansson as chair the European Skills High-Level Board.
As declared by the European Commission’s official channels, Ms Johansson will oversee and “lead the board’s mission to strengthen people’s skills and talents across the EU”. As part of the Union of Skills, the Skills High-Level Board will provide guidance and advice on skills development for EU citizens. It will convene businesses, education and training providers and social partners to support the European Commission on developing the necessary conditions for a skilled and adaptable workforce in the EU.
VET4EU2 associations’ experience in training, education and skills aligns with the core mission of the Skills High-Level Board and complements the evidence to be provided by the upcoming European Skills Intelligence Observatory. VET networks and associations, representing millions of learners and staff in Europe, are indispensable to understand the challenges and potential of VET providers, which propel quality and innovative teaching and learning. Being a natural partner for SMEs, Vocational Education and Training bridges between education and the labour market and sparks innovation for the professionals of today and tomorrow.
We are convinced that Ms Johansson’s leadership and experience will ensure the success of this initiative. As VET representatives already involved in regular dialogue and exchange with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, we look forward to being part of the Skills High-Level Board. In view of starting this precious and urgent collaboration and ensuring the success of the Board, we would be eager to meet Chair Johansson in the next weeks to exchange our evidencebased contribution and the insights needed from EU VET providers.
Arja Flinkman, Vice-President, EfVET
Giorgio Sbrissa, President, EVTA
Hannes Raffaseder, President, EURASHE
Thiemo Fojkar, President, EVBB
Scilla van Cuijlenborg, Vice-President, EUproVET
Pascal Paschoud, President, Eucen