In this section we have selected and briefly summarized the statements of the Designated Commissioners that are relevant to the activities of EfVET and will guide our upcoming and future activities. 

In brief points, we analyzed the steps that are related to challenges, opportunities, and activities of our work at the local and European levels in the VET system. 

 

 

Brussels, 12th November 2024 – EU Parliament  

Notes from the hearing of Commissioner-designate Roxana Mînzatu for People, Skills and Preparedness 

 

During her confirmation hearing, Roxana Mînzatu, the Vice-President-designate for People, Skills, and Preparedness, outlined a forward-thinking agenda focused on addressing societal challenges and ensuring sustainable development.  

Her proposals emphasized inclusiveness, education, and the importance of preparedness in a rapidly changing world. 

Here are the key points of her confirmation hearing: 

• Strengthening social fairness 

Mînzatu marked the importance of tackling poverty and inequality through initiatives like a comprehensive European anti-poverty policy. This includes addressing housing, energy, healthcare, and gender equality, as well as a strong commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights. 

• Empowering Workers and ensuring quality jobs 

To promote decent work, Mînzatu proposed a roadmap for quality jobs, advocating for the implementation of EU social laws and minimum wage policies. She highlighted the need for inclusive labor markets, particularly for young people and individuals with disabilities. 

• Enhancing Skills and Lifelong Learning 

Education and training were central to her vision, with plans to advance digital and STEM skills, facilitate labor mobility, and reinforce cross-border recognition of qualifications. Mînzatu spotlighted lifelong learning as critical to equipping citizens for the future. 

• Investing in Erasmus+ and Education 

Mînzatu pledged to expand Erasmus+ funding to reach more beneficiaries, particularly those from economically vulnerable backgrounds. She also supported the European Universities Alliance, working towards a legally recognized European degree. 

• Preparedness for a Changing World 

Her portfolio includes initiatives like the Skills Portability Plan, designed to enable seamless recognition of qualifications across the EU. She also announced a European Dialogue focused on work-life balance and expectations for modern employment. 

• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion 

A strong advocate for gender equality, Mînzatu outlined measures to promote equal opportunities and address disparities in education and the workforce. She emphasized social inclusion as a foundation for her policies. 

• Concerns About portfolio Title  

The comity of employment and social affairs expressed dissatisfaction with the current title of her portfolio, suggesting it does not adequately reflect its focus on education and quality jobs. Mînzatu noted her willingness to collaborate on revisions to better capture her priorities.  

• A future Oriented Vision

Mînzatu’s agenda reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Her focus on skills, fairness, and education ensures a more resilient and inclusive Europe, capable of meeting the challenges of the future. 

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More info: 

• At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Culture Committee, Ms. Nela Riehl and the Chair of Employment and Social Affairs, Ms. Li Anderson made a press point. Watch it here.  
• Click here to see the video recording of full hearing.

 

 

Brussels, 4th November 2024 – EU Parliament 

Notes from the hearing of Commissioner-designate Gleen Micallef – Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport portfolio 

 

During his confirmation hearing on November 4, 2024, Glenn Micallef, the Designated Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, highlighted his commitment to creating a more inclusive and fair European society. 

He accentuated the importance of policies that promote intergenerational equity, amplify youth voices, and support cultural and sporting initiatives, including further investment in the Erasmus + Program.  

Micallef also brought attention to the need to protect young people’s mental health online and improve working conditions for artists, reflecting a forward-looking vision for fostering both individual and collective well-being across Europe. 

Here are the key points of his opening statement: 

• Intergenerational Fairness 

Micallef insisted on the importance of ensuring that current decisions do not hinder future generations’ opportunities and on promoting stronger communication between age groups.  

• Supporting Youth Empowerment 

He highlighted the need to amplify youth voices in EU policymaking, introducing a “youth check” to assesses the impact of legislation on young people 

• Sport as a tool for Inclusion and Health  

Micallef discussed sports as a means of fostering inclusion and diversity and promoting healthy lifestyles.   

• Protecting Young People’s Mental Health Online 

He addressed the challenges of social media and excessive screen time, announcing an EU-wide investigation into the impact of social media on young people’s well-being and measures to combat cyberbullying. 

• Improving Working Conditions for Artists 

Micallef expressed his commitment to enhancing working conditions for artists and cultural professions, especially with the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. 

• Copyright Protection for Music Creators  

Micallef committed to leading a “Cultural Compass”, a strategic framework to address various cultural issues, with a focus on protecting music creator’s copyrights, a significant concern for the sector. 

• Creative Europe 

Commit to strengthening Erasmus+ ‘that is envied by global partners’, contrasting with his cautious stance on Creative Europe and the 2% Cultural Deal for Europe 

• Addressing Cyber-bullying 

He pledged to intensify efforts in combating cyber-bullying, a pressing issue that has grown increasingly according to the rapid evolution of technology and its widespread accessibility. 

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More info: 

• At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Culture Committee, Ms. Nela Riehl, made a press point. Watch it here.  

• Click here to see the video recording of full hearing. 

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