The Twinning project on Supporting Just Twin Transition of European Industries successfully concluded in 2025, bringing together a broad group of social partners, including Ceemet, trade unions, and employer representatives from across Europe. The project focused on how industries can navigate the green and digital transformation.
Building dialogue for a shared future
Throughout this EU-funded project, partners from Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania engaged in constructive exchanges about how best to manage the “twin transition”, which is the simultaneous shift toward a greener and more digital industrial landscape.
Most partners agreed that companies and workers need to adapt together to stay competitive and protect jobs.
One of the central aims of the project was to promote stronger employee involvement in industrial transformation processes, encouraging open dialogue and inclusive decision-making. At the same time, participants worked to develop practical policy recommendations that can help shape more inclusive transition strategies across sectors. Strengthening the capacity of social partners, particularly in regions where resources are scarce, was another key priority, so that all parties can actively contribute to managing industrial change.
Ceemet highlighted in particular the essential role of social partners in reskilling and upskilling the workforce. European funding opportunities were underlined as important tools to support this, although participants acknowledged the challenge of accessing these resources, especially for smaller companies. Employers are working to make it easier for small and medium businesses to get these funds, so they don’t fall behind during the transition.
Promoting skills and training participation
Employers stressed that a proactive, cooperative approach is the best way to address concerns about workers’ limited access to retraining opportunities and the potential risks of job losses.
Flexible and targeted upskilling, designed around workplace realities, will empower employees while maintaining the competitiveness and innovation capacity of businesses. Employers see a strong role for social partners in making these programs relevant and practical, with industry-recognised credentials and hands-on training that fit company needs.
A shared responsibility
As Europe moves toward greener and more digital ways of working, industries must quickly adopt new technology and sustainable practices. This can worry workers, especially in places with few digital skills or high joblessness. However, employers believe these changes should be seen as opportunities to improve working conditions, modernise operations, and enhance long-term employability.
Active consultation, transparent communication, and timely involvement of employees will be central to building trust. Employers are prepared to provide regular updates, invite feedback, and consult workers before major investments, in line with existing legislation, to maintain motivation and alignment around shared goals.
The Twinning project demonstrated that, despite differences in perspective, social partners share a commitment to achieving a fair and inclusive twin transition. Employers will continue to invest in skills development, social dialogue, and fair workplace practices. In turn, they expect flexibility and constructive engagement from trade union partners so that Europe’s industrial base can be strengthened.
By working together, social partners can successfully manage the challenges of the twin transition and harness its opportunities, creating a greener, more digital, and more competitive future for all.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.