Overview
- Role: The ETF supports human capital development in neighbouring countries
- Director: Pilvi Torsti
- Established in: 1994
- Number of staff: 130
- Location: Turin (Italy)
- Website: ETF
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is a unique, expert EU agency supporting human capital development in countries neighbouring the European Union. For over 30 years, the ETF has been helping people develop skills for life and work by turning EU values and policy priorities into action through education, training, and employment reform.
What it does
As part of the EU’s external action, the ETF works in partner countries across the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. We act as a connector — linking EU values and policies with people, institutions, and systems on the ground.
We support the development and implementation of evidence-based, inclusive policies that:
- modernise vocational education and training (VET)
- promote lifelong learning
- improve the relevance of skills to labour markets
- promote youth engagement and social inclusion
- enable better governance and strategic planning
Through long-term engagement, we help our partner countries build resilient systems and trusted institutions, supporting competitiveness, stability, and sustainable development.
Our added value
We support EU strategic priorities and contribute to Europe’s soft power by:
- Strengthening skills for competitiveness, security, and prosperity
- Engaging young people and reducing inequalities
- Supporting the enlargement and neighbourhood policies
- Contributing to Team Europe efforts and global partnerships
- Contributing to the Union of Skills
Who benefits
- Citizens: People gain access to quality education, training and jobs, reducing exclusion and improving prospects at home and abroad.
- Partner countries: More inclusive and future-fit systems support economic growth, trust in institutions, and social cohesion.
- The EU: Stronger partnerships help manage migration better, reduce global inequality, and respond to shared challenges through cooperation and opportunity.
Further information
Contact
European Training Foundation
- Name
- European Training Foundation
- Website
- https://www.etf.europa.eu/en
- Phone number
- +39 011 630 22 22
- Postal address
Villa Gualino Viale Settimio Severo 65
10133 Torino TO
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