On 26 March 2026, the final conference of the ARISA project (2022–2026) took place in Brussels. Participants reflected on the four-year project period and discussed the results aimed at further promoting efficient AI ecosystems in Europe.

ARISA (Artificial Intelligence Skills Alliance) was launched in 2022 by a European coalition of policymakers, education providers, and industry with the goal of closing the “AI skills gap” among learners and the workforce. The focus was therefore on designing a European AI skills strategy, developing targeted curricula and training programmes, and establishing certification approaches.

As one of ARISA’s partners, ASIIN, played an important role: it defined subject-specific criteria for AI-related continuing education programmes and developed a certification system as well as the ARISA Quality Label. In addition, ASIIN successfully implemented the activities of the measures package agreed for Germany. This included organising dialogue and exchange formats for political and academic stakeholders, quality assurance bodies, and vocational education and training stakeholders. Through these formats, they were actively involved in the AI strategy and given the opportunity to contribute expert feedback and help shape the overall process. Going forward, ASIIN will work to integrate ARISA’s project outcomes into national AI education strategies as well.

A special event is planned for 24 April 2026: EQANIE (the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education) is inviting its members, quality assurance agencies, and national education initiatives to a meeting. The agenda will also include discussions about the possible establishment of a European “Skills Council”, together with Digital Europe and CEPIS. Such a “Skills Council” could help embed and sustain the results of the ARISA project over the long term.