How can Vocational Education and Training (VET) help shape Europe’s social, economic and democratic future? This key question brought together VET providers, stakeholders and EU institutions in Brussels on 27 January 2026 for a high-level workshop organised by the VET4EU2 network.
The event marked the launch of a structured, evidence-based process to contribute directly to the upcoming European VET Strategy. Rather than starting from abstract policy goals, the workshop placed real-world experience at the centre, gathering insights, priorities and concrete practices from across the European VET ecosystem.
Discussions revealed a shared ambition: positioning VET not only as a skills-delivery mechanism, but as a strategic public infrastructure supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions, social inclusion, competitiveness and long-term resilience. Participants explored how VET can better serve learners throughout their lives, strengthen quality and innovation, empower teachers and trainers, and deepen partnerships with industry and territories.
Designed as a participatory dialogue, the workshop fostered open exchange between practitioners and policymakers, including representatives of the European Commission. Thematic discussions led to actionable recommendations on inclusion, skills relevance, governance, funding and Europe’s global role in VET. The contributions gathered will inform ongoing consultation and policy reflection, ensuring that the next European VET Strategy is firmly grounded in practice and collective intelligence.