SECOVE Workshop in Athens Strengthens European Collaboration on Skills, Sustainability and Exploitation

The SECOVE Transnational Workshop, “Sustainability and Exploitation at Skills related European Projects,” held in Athens on 21 May 2026, successfully brought together representatives from European initiatives working in the fields of skills, vocational excellence, innovation and sustainable energy. The event created a dynamic space for dialogue, exchange and collaboration, with a clear focus on one of the main challenges faced by EU-funded projects: ensuring that project results remain useful, transferable and sustainable beyond the project lifetime.

Organised within the framework of the SECOVE project, the workshop gathered a diverse group of experts, project coordinators, researchers and practitioners committed to strengthening the long-term impact of European cooperation. Through presentations, panel discussions and interactive working sessions, participants shared valuable experiences on how to exploit project outcomes, engage stakeholders and build continuity strategies that can support future development.

The first session focused on opportunities and challenges in skills-related European projects. After the welcome and introduction, the event opened with a reflection on exploitation and sustainability in European projects, setting the scene for a productive and practical discussion. Several initiatives were then presented, including projects connected to Centres of Vocational Excellence and Skills Alliances. These contributions offered participants the opportunity to learn from real experiences, successful practices and concrete outputs developed across different European contexts.

Projects such as SHOREWINNER, PortAbiliTy, SEED, ASC4INN, Katapult Toolkit and Digi4Wearables contributed to a rich exchange of ideas, demonstrating the variety and strength of European initiatives in areas such as green skills, innovation, vocational education and sectoral cooperation. Their presentations highlighted not only achievements, but also the strategies used to increase impact, promote transferability and ensure that results reach the right stakeholders.

A key success of the event was its participatory approach. The second part of the workshop moved from presentation to action, inviting participants to work in groups on exploitation and sustainability. These sessions encouraged open discussion on common barriers, practical solutions and future opportunities for collaboration. By working collectively, participants were able to identify best practices, success stories and potential synergies that can support ongoing and future projects.

The workshop also reinforced the role of SECOVE as a catalyst for cooperation among European actors working towards a skilled and sustainable workforce. By connecting projects, organisations and experts, the event contributed to building a stronger European community focused on long-term impact, innovation and inclusivity.

Overall, the Athens workshop proved to be a successful and meaningful meeting point for European skills-related projects. It not only enabled participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen their networks, but also generated useful conclusions and practical insights that will support the exploitation, sustainability and future growth of European initiatives in the skills ecosystem.