As the EU advances its Union of Skills and Digital Decade targets, skills and labour policies have become inseparable from competitiveness strategies critical to the Single Market’s future. AI is accelerating the pace of change, becoming a driver of geopolitical influence and economic advantage, and is reshaping expectations of productivity levels, the skills and jobs that matter most. While public debate is often framed around disruption and displacement, labour market signals suggest a more nuanced picture of AI opportunity and risk across sectors, regions and demographics.

To compete in an AI-powered economy, Europe’s skills systems and the way its companies hire and develop talent must evolve. AI skills shortages coexist with anxiety from workers and business leaders about preparedness, and policymakers face a delicate balance: enabling innovation and competitiveness while safeguarding fair access to opportunity and social cohesion. This is where coordinated action between governments and employers offers a competitive edge.

This Financial Times event, in partnership with LinkedIn, will examine how AI is reshaping Europe’s labour market at a moment of profound economic and geopolitical pressure. This half-day event in Brussels will convene senior policymakers, labour market leaders, education and skills representatives, business leaders and multilateral organisations to ground the debate in evidence rather than speculation.

Drawing on labour market insights and practical implementation experience, the event will explore the European way forward in translating ambition into scalable action. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of where AI is already reshaping skills demand, what is required to build an AI-ready workforce, and how coordinated public–private collaboration can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness while expanding access to opportunity.