MEP Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE) has asked the European Commission to clarify the composition, selection procedures, and transparency measures for the newly established European Skills High-Level Board, warning that its significant advisory role in EU skills policy requires democratic accountability. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 8 May 2026, Riehl raises concerns about potential undue influence from sectoral or commercial interests and demands that the Board's meetings, agendas, and outputs be made publicly accessible.
The Board, announced under the Union of Skills communication, is chaired by the Commission and tasked with providing cross-sectoral guidance on skills policy that feeds directly into the European Semester and country-specific recommendations. Riehl's question focuses on three areas: the criteria and selection procedures for Board members, ensuring balanced representation of civil society, social partners, education institutions, and the private sector; compliance with Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union on open, transparent dialogue with representative associations; and accountability mechanisms to allow scrutiny by the European Parliament's Committees on Culture and Education and on Employment and Social Affairs.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up The question reflects a push for greater transparency and democratic oversight in EU skills governance, with Riehl seeking to prevent the Board from being dominated by business interests at the expense of broader stakeholder input. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it intends to adopt open governance practices or maintain a more closed, expert-driven approach. The outcome could affect the credibility and legitimacy of EU skills policy, impacting education providers, employers, trade unions, and civil society organisations seeking a voice in shaping workforce development strategies.
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