Video Games Europe welcomes the Union of Skills

Video Games Europe, representing Europe’s vibrant video games industry, welcomes the European Commission’s Union of Skills initiative as a critical step in strengthening Europe’s workforce and global competitiveness. As a sector driven by creativity, technology, and skilled talent, we fully support the EU’s vision for skills development, digital education, upskilling and reskilling, and global talent mobility.

Placing a strategic focus on equipping Europeans with essential digital skills for the future is one key ask in our 2024-2029 Manifesto: More than a game. Video Games Europe looks forward to:

• ○ Empowering the digital future with STEM and diversity through the STEM Education Strategic Plan, which places a strong emphasis on encouraging more women to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Video games are complex unique works that combine art and technology. Increasing representation in STEM will enrich our sector with new creative and technological possibilities. Video Games Europe, as a member of the Global Video Games Coalition, supports the UNICEF Game Changers Coalition, which has a proven track record of equipping adolescent girls with STEAM and leadership skills to thrive in a digital future. Our collaboration.
• ○ A Digital Education Roadmap for 2030 and supporting educators through the EU Teachers & Trainers Agenda. We welcome that the EU fosters the next generation of citizens to be equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow and that skilled educators are at the heart of building fundamental skills for students. Upskilling and reskilling teachers have a key role to play, and Video Games Europe is pleased to share resources on how it supports teacher upskilling across Europe in the Games in Schools initiative.
• ○ An innovative education and training (VET) system and an inclusive and future-oriented higher education system that will keep up with the rapidly evolving technology landscape, enhance industry collaboration, and provide learners with instrumental knowledge and experience to thrive in our creative industry.
• ○ A new Visa Strategy for global talent that will help attract and retain highly skilled talents and ensure that Europe is the best place to create and invest in games.

The Union of Skills is setting the foundation for a future where Europe thrives in digital innovation. Video Games Europe stands ready to collaborate with policymakers to turn this vision into reality.