COOPOWER Contributes to 14th International Stakeholder Conference of the EUSDR, Priority Area 9

On May 28, 2026 COOPOWER was presented at the 14th International Stakeholder Conference of Priority Area 9 (People and Skills) of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), bringing the project's objectives and early implementation activities to a wider audience of policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the region.

During the conference, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), COOPOWER's coordinator, highlighted one of the key challenges addressed by the project: the persistent mismatch between the skills and qualifications provided by vocational education and training (VET) systems and the needs of local labour markets.

Drawing on baseline research conducted across the COOPOWER partner countries, the presentation outlined several systemic barriers that hinder young people's transition from education to employment. It also introduced the project's quadruple helix approach, which brings together public authorities, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations to develop coordinated and sustainable solutions.

With pilot activities launched in April 2026, COOPOWER is working to strengthen cooperation between key stakeholders and improve pathways to employment for young people across the Danube Region. Through its pilot actions, the project aims to support hundreds of young people and generate practical lessons for enhancing VET-to-employment transitions in diverse local contexts.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to share the project's vision, exchange experiences with regional stakeholders, and contribute to the broader discussion on skills development, employment, and social inclusion in the Danube Region.