As the EU sets ambitious climate targets for 2040 and aims for climate neutrality by 2050, the demand for a skilled workforce in Europe becomes increasingly urgent. Addressing skills mismatches and shortages is crucial in this journey towards sustainability, and the European Commission has called for collaborative efforts in developing a robust training and re-skilling agenda to meet the evolving skills demands of a green economy. At this event, U!REKA and its partner network will explore the solutions they can offer to support the EU in achieving its climate objectives while addressing skills shortages across the Union. Discussions will dive into the role of research, innovation, and education in driving the green transition and fostering Climate Neutral and Smart Cities. The aim will be to identify potential synergies and areas for enhanced cooperation to propel the EU towards a more sustainable future. 

Following the panel discussion, a networking reception will be held, providing an opportunity to engage with U!REKA partners and stakeholders.

U!REKA European University is an Erasmus+ funded European University alliance. U!REKA collaboration began in 2016, and as an EUI alliance, they have been operational since the beginning of 2024. Their network includes over 30 partners across Europe (6 full partners and 26 associate partners). The alliance consists of urban-focused higher education institutions across Europe: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences; HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences; Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki; VSB – Technical University of Ostrava; and Politécnico de Lisboa. Associate partners include Edinburgh Napier University, University of Bari Aldo Moldo, Odessa National Economic University, New Bulgarian University, University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, ERRIN, EURASHE, Finnish Energy, Helsinki-Uusimaa region, Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Metropolitan Region, City of Amsterdam, City of Ostrava, City of Lisbon, and many others. 

As a European University alliance, U!REKA focuses on contributing to a sustainable, human, inclusive and future-proof transition to Climate Neutral and Smart Cities. Their strategy embeds the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU mission for 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities. 

To register for the event, please click here. 

Program:

18:00-18:05 Welcoming words by Janne Leino, Director of the Helsinki EU Office

18:05-18:15 Keynote: U!REKA – A vision for a collaborative path towards a climate neutral Europe by Riitta Konkola, President and CEO of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (U!REKA coordinator)

18:15-18:50 Panel discussion, followed by audience questions and discussion: Bridging the Gap between the EU's 2040 Climate Goals and the Shortage of Skilled Labour – Towards Climate Neutral and Smart Cities

Moderator: Janne Leino, Director of the Helsinki EU Office

Panellists:

Frank Siebern-Thomas, Head of Unit, Fair and Green Digital Transitions, Research, DG EMPL, European Commission

John Edwards, Secretary-General of EURASHE, European Association of Institutions in Higher Education

Ryan Titley, Director of Projects at ERRIN, European Regions Research and Innovation Network

Geleyn Meijer, Rector of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (part of U!REKA), Chair of the Universities of Applied Sciences Netherlands

18:50-20:00 Networking reception