ANE's board on World Engineers Day at the European Parliament

Wishing Denmark every success as it takes the EU Presidency

ANE welcomes the focus on innovation and technologies in Denmark’s EU Presidency programme – but where is the focus on STEM?

Written by:

Tove Keldsen

Categories:

ANE's board on World Engineers Day at the European Parliament

ANE's board on World Engineers Day at the European Parliament

Today, Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the theme “A Strong Europe in a Changing World.” We wish Denmark a powerful start and a successful launch of a programme that rightly emphasises critical technologies, innovation, and competitiveness, but we in ANE are concerned about a crucial omission: the lack of focus on STEM skills.

Europe is facing a growing shortage of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. The European Commission estimates a shortfall of at least 2 million STEM experts needed to meet industrial demand. Without addressing this gap, Europe risks falling behind in the global race for technological leadership and sustainable growth.

In two recent letters to Danish ministers Christina Egelund (Minister for Higher Education and Science) and Morten Bødskov (Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs), ANE urges the Danish government to:

  • Set bold national STEM targets aligned with the EU’s 2030 goals – including more students in STEM and greater inclusion of women.
  • Lead by example, drawing on Finland and Sweden’s national STEM strategies with clear goals and action plans.
  • Strengthen ties between education and industry to ensure STEM programmes match real-world needs.
  • Take a leading role in the EU STEM Executive Panel to help shape strategic direction, modernise education, and foster collaboration.
  • Expand access to skilled STEM professionals through targeted mobility schemes and EU-wide recognition of qualifications, as outlined in the EU STEM Education Strategic Plan.

We believe Denmark has a unique opportunity to lead by example and ensure that Europe’s digital and green transitions are backed by the right talent.

Letters to Christina Egelund and Morten Bødskov

Find the letter to Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science (In Danish)Download

Find the letter to Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs (In Danish)Download

Reclaiming Europe’s Edge – Competitiveness through STEM Talent

ANE presents a detailed analysis of the STEM skills shortage and its impact on Europe’s global standing. Read the report and recommendations here: Reclaiming Europe’s Edge – Competitiveness through STEM Talent.