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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2023)0161 – C90062/2023 – 2023/0081(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)

EMPL-PA-749069

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs · Rapporteur: MariePierre Vedrenne

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The draft opinion proposes amendments to the Net Zero Industry Act to strengthen the skills dimension, including the creation of Net Zero Academies, funding, and governance. It calls for a mapping exercise to identify labour shortages, a financial envelope of EUR 102 million for 2024-2027, and measures to attract women, youth, and third-country workers.

Committee position. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy to take into account its amendments, which aim to strengthen the skills and workforce aspects of the Net Zero Industry Act.

Key points

  1. Net Zero Academies should be based on a mapping exercise assessing skills shortages and training gaps, covering the value chain, and supporting all workers regardless of age, gender, or education.
  2. Academies should facilitate upskilling, reskilling, adult education, and apprenticeships, and be made attractive to women, young, and older workers.
  3. Mobility should be encouraged through recognition of diplomas, training certificates, and micro-credentials.
  4. The EU should attract and train skilled workers from third countries through national or European talent schemes.
  5. Funding should support the launch and implementation of Academies, with a financial envelope of EUR 102 million for 2024-2027, sourced from specific budgets.
  6. Academies should be running and providing content by the end of 2025.
  7. A well-governed Net Zero Europe Platform should coordinate efforts, monitor results, and report on achievements.
  8. The Commission should support Academies based on a mapping exercise, and if a labour shortage threshold is reached, issue a call for projects.
  9. Member States should assess equivalence of learning programmes to qualifications by 31 December 2024 and every two years, and ensure recognition of credentials.
  10. The Platform should monitor the activity of Academies, collect data on beneficiaries, and promote adequate working conditions and attraction of skilled workers from third countries.
  11. The Platform should invite European Parliament representatives as observers and report to Parliament.
  12. Member States should consider the mapping exercise and data in designing their skills policies.

Who is affected

  • Workers and jobseekers in the EU, especially women, youth, older workers, and third-country migrants, will benefit from training and recognition of skills.
  • Universities, training providers, companies including SMEs and start-ups will be involved in Academies and training delivery.
  • Member States will need to align qualifications and skills policies with the regulation.
  • The Commission will support Academies and issue calls for projects based on mapping.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 102 million in current prices for the set up and functioning of Academies from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027.
  • EUR 3 million per year from Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, EUR 2.5 million from Single Market Programme SME pillar, EUR 20 million from European Social Fund+.
  • By 31 December 2024 and every two years thereafter, Member States shall identify equivalence of learning programmes.
  • A first mapping exercise should take place in 2024.