This presentation by Cedefop's expert Anastasia Pouliou was delivered at the 2nd Encuentro de Formación Profesional de la Comunidad de Madrid. It discusses the future of vocational education and training (VET) in the European Union, highlighting its role in supporting competitiveness, resilience and social cohesion. It identifies key challenges such as skills mismatches, low attractiveness and limited mobility, and outlines the upcoming European VET strategy (2026–2030), focusing on improving quality, inclusion, labour market relevance and internationalisation. Event information: II Encuentro de Formación Profesional, 12 May 2026 The Encuentros de Formación Profesional de la Comunidad de Madrid serve as a key forum for the exchange of experiences, the dissemination of good practices, and collaboration among educational institutions, companies, and organisations involved in vocational education and training in the Community of Madrid. Their aim is to strengthen the quality of the system, promote innovation, foster connections with the business sector, and enhance the international outreach of vocational education and training in Madrid. Related publications Cedefop (2020). Vocational education and training in Europe, 1995-2035: scenarios for European vocational education and training in the 21st century. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop reference series, No 114. DOI: 10.2801/794471 Cedefop (2022). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Latvia. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 85. DOI: 10.2801/342203 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Austria. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 95. DOI: 10.2801/57841 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Croatia. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 99. DOI: 10.2801/82897 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Finland. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 97. DOI: 10.2801/445669 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: France. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 96. 10.2801/499891 Cedefop (2022). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Italy. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 88. DOI: 10.2801/794839 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Spain. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 93. DOI: 10.2801/624473 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training: case study: Sweden. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper, No 98. DOI: 10.2801/164857 Cedefop (2023). Entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training in Europe: synthesis report. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop research paper. 10.2801/08062 Related news Cedefop. (2025, July 4). VET internationalisation: A strategic imperative for EU competitiveness Cedefop. (2025, October 24). Transnational cooperation: a Union of Skills starts with collaboration Cedefop. (2025, November 11). Denmark puts international apprentice mobility at the heart of its EU Presidency agenda Related projects VET excellence and inclusion for the 21st century Future trends in the content and provision of VET Timeline of VET policies in Europe