A recent Special Eurobarometer survey shows widespread support for policies that promote fairness and inclusion – especially when it comes to job opportunities, quality public services, and helping people through change.

Skills for the future

The green and digital transitions are transforming the world of work. Europeans recognise the need to stay ahead – for instance by:

• developing digital skills (86%)
• equipping people for future jobs (82%)
• supporting people when they lose their job (80%).

A personal training budget is one way to help people build new skills. Most people would be likely to use it, including:

• 83% of students who are not working
• 76% of people who are unemployed or inactive
• 72% of those currently working.

Programmes that support lifelong learning and high-quality education – such as those under the Union of Skills – help ensure that no one is left behind.

Fairness and satisfaction at work

Despite facing challenges, most people are still broadly satisfied with their jobs:

• 28% are very satisfied
• 57% are fairly satisfied

But there are concerns too. People report worrying about:

• Not receiving a fair salary (72%)
• Lack of job opportunities (64%)
• Skills becoming less valuable due to digital change (59%)

This shows why support for upskilling, reskilling and fair working conditions remains essential.

What worries people most?

Across the EU, people are concerned about the future of their country. The top worries include:

• Cost of living (88%)
• Child poverty and lack of social mobility (84%)
• Affordability of housing (82%)
• Climate change (77%)
• Reduced quality of public services (87%)
• Quality of education (81%)

Support programmes – whether EU-funded or implemented at national or local level – play a key role in addressing these issues.

What kind of support do people want?

Europeans strongly support investment in people and social inclusion. More than 8 in 10 say people would benefit from:

• Training or counselling to re-enter the labour market (85%)
• A personal training budget during their career (83%)
• Training for green jobs (80%)
• Early childhood support (87%)
• Help for young people to find a job, study, or start apprenticeships (86%)
• Affordable housing for young people (83%)

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU’s main tool for funding this kind of support, with €142.7 billion available between 2021 and 2027 – €95.8 billion from the EU budget.