Day 2 - Spektrum, Ebbepark District, Fridtunagatan 41.

Joining forces in Europe to attract talent

9.00–9.45: Panel discussion

Talents living in third countries, and who are considering relocation, often don't start with a specific country or city in mind: their first step is Europe. On our end, countries as well as cities and regions tend to work individually. This panel will tackle the question of how and to what extent we can become stronger if we worked more closely together in our efforts to attract international talent.

Moderated by Chiara Venturini, Head of Digital Transformation and Economic Development, Eurocities.

• Mylène Hodzelmans, Senior Advisor Economy & Innovation, City of Breda 
• Paige Shannon, Project Coordinator, City of Helsinki 
• Linda van Asselt, Talent Programme Manager, Twente Board 

9:45–10:30: Site visit - Squareshare

Squareshare is a new coliving concept launched in the autumn of 2025 by Stångåstaden, the Linköping municipal housing company. Housed in Ebbepark, Squareshare is designed to help companies attract and retain talent by offering furnished private rooms combined with shared social spaces, thus providing flexible and community-oriented housing tailored for professionals on short- or long-term assignments.

10.30–11.00: Coffee break

Making skills visible: Strengthening competence validation

Moderated by Teemu Haapalehto, Director of Economic Development, City of Espoo

11.00–11.15: Introduction to the EU skills agenda

• Chiara Venturini, Eurocities

Skills are a key priority across Europe – for the green and digital transitions, for economic growth, and for social inclusion. This short introduction will recap the main trends and initiatives shaping the EU skills agenda, to prepare for the discussion on how cities and regions can take an ever stronger role in building the European future of skills.

11.15-12.30: City presentations

Members will present case studies illustrating how their city has been supporting the validation of competences, the development of skills, and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities.

• Matleena Vuola, Senior Specialist, Business Vantaa, The City of Vantaa 
• Astrid Puumala-Thévenet, Development Manager (integration & migration), City of Espoo 

12.30–13.00: Summary and key take-aways

• Teemu Haapalehto and Annika Forstén, City of Espoo

The Chair of the Working Group will guide a brief concluding session to reflect on the study visit outcomes and the next steps for the WG.

13.00–14.00: Lunch

Day 2 will conclude with a lunch before participants' departure.