The initiative was launched in the context of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Finnish Presidency has been working with the member states to reach a shared understanding of the conditions for sustainable growth. The cornerstones of such growth are: digitalisation, artificial intelligence and enabling lifelong learning. Finland is also known for its high-quality free public education system with equal access for all, and for its excellence in technology.
A competitive and socially inclusive EU is one of the main priorities of the Finnish Presidency. Europe's competitiveness draws on skilled people and, increasingly, on the use of artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
The Finnish Presidency of the Council has consistently underlined that due to the transformation of work, the intensified global competition and the changing skills requirements in the labour market, it is particularly important for the EU countries to invest in reskilling and upskilling.
The initiative has three aims: Finland, as the outgoing Presidency, wants to invest in skills, increase EU citizens’ practical understanding of the opportunities and nature of artificial intelligence and reinforce the digital leadership of the EU and thus increase its competitiveness.