14th EUSDR Annual Forum and 29th PA9 Steering Group Meeting: Strengthening Skills and Education in the Danube Region, 06-07 November 2025, Sarajevo
On 6–7 November, Sarajevo hosted the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), bringing together key representatives of European institutions, national governments, the education sector and industry. In parallel with the Forum, the 29th Steering Group Meeting of Priority Area 9 (PA9 – People and Skills) was held. Both events were attended by Ms Sandra Brkanović, the ERI SEE Director.
14th EUSDR Annual Forum: Green Transition, Digital Skills and Economic Resilience
The two-day Annual Forum gathered ministers, representatives of the European Commission, EUSDR National Coordinators, donor organizations, and experts in education, innovation and economic development.
Key thematic areas of the Forum were Green and digital transition as drivers of regional development.
Panels explored how the Danube Region can accelerate its shift towards sustainable and resilient economies. Discussions focused on integrating green skills into education systems, investment in renewable energy and developing a workforce capable of adapting to labour market transformation.
Speakers highlighted that both youth and adults must have access to programmes that strengthen green and digital competencies to keep pace with technological and economic changes. The Forum reaffirmed the importance of coordinated planning, exchange of good practices and strong regional structures to support long-term development.
29th PA9 Steering Group Meeting: Updates and Regional Priorities
The PA9 Steering Group meeting brought together priority area coordinators, member state representatives, and key regional institutions. Coordinators from Austria and Moldova presented updates on recent activities, including progress in implementing PA9 initiatives, projects addressing early school leaving, improving the quality and relevance of vocational education and training, and initiatives targeting digital and transversal skills.
The discussions during the meeting also reflected the main agenda items of the Steering Group:
- Exchange of updates from member countries regarding education and labour market developments, providing insight into national progress and challenges.
- Partner presentations by organizations such as ETF, Danube Strategy Point, national coordinators, and other stakeholders, sharing project results and initiatives.
- Work on the PA9 Work Programme, including reviewing and updating the work plan for the upcoming period.
- Discussion on priorities, including planning of flagship initiatives such as TransAC, Skills4Life, and WIN, based on previous meeting outcomes.
- Monitoring and reporting, including updates on the Danube Region Monitor (‘People & Skills’) as a key indicator of PA9 progress.
Sandra Brkanović presented the ERI SEE’s key regional activities, including modernising VET systems, developing occupational standards, producing teaching materials, delivering teacher training, aligning national education policies with EU priorities, particularly in green transition and digital competencies and providing technical support to Western Balkan economies.
Participants expressed strong support for continued cooperation and emphasised the strategic importance of connecting EU Member States and Western Balkan partners through regional projects. Planning for 2026 focused on joint project proposals with the European Commission and donors, as well as aligning PA9 activities with broader EUSDR objectives in innovation, sustainability, and labour mobility.
The events in Sarajevo reaffirmed the central role of education, skills development, and innovation in the long-term progress of the Danube Region, with ERISEE actively contributing to regional cooperation and the integration of Western Balkans policies with EU initiatives.
