The communication does not consider the role of local and regional authorities (LRAs), whereas the previous one dated 2019 (COM(2016) 381 final) clearly identified the roles and ambitions of LRAs.
In some less well-off regions and in disadvantaged communities, access to digital tools can be an issue and there are still areas with poor internet access. The Rapporteur asks how the CoR can help joining forces to elaborate recommendations that can help disadvantaged territories to
cope with these issues.
The pandemic and the Green Deal are the main drivers of change in the European economy. Changes are welcome when it comes to targeted outcomes on the environment and on the future of European economic development, but it is clear that both of these affect and threaten sectors like car manufacturing, heavy industry and power generation. The point of the Rapporteur here is to investigate whether there's a specific and strategic attention devoted to developing new skills in regions depending from those sectors, that can help a transition towards a cleaner economy, and to becoming more creative in front of the challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic.
The Rapporteur makes some concrete proposals that would be reflected in the draft opinion to be adopted by SEDEC in November:
- Setting up a European platform with a selection of best practices at regional and local level.
- More recognition of LRAs support and elaboration of skills-related infrastructure, also in light of
the risk of worsened unemployment due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
- Regional focus when assessing the implementation of the new Skills Agenda and VET policy.
- Minorities' access to high-quality education and training.
- Better accessibility of new skills, like STEM-specific skills, at all levels of education and training.
- European cooperation on skills and vocational training should have a local and regional focus aimed at LRAs and at stabilising access to schools and training providers.

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