Mihnea Costoiu joins European Skills High-Level Board

CESAER congratulates Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, on his appointment by the European Commission to the European Skills High-Level Board on 18 May 2026.

The Board is chaired by Ylva Johansson, former European Commissioner, in her function as Special Adviser reporting to European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu. It brings together businesses, universities, education and training providers, and social partners to provide advice and guidance on skills development for workers in Europe.

The European Skills High-Level Board will play a central role in advancing the Union of Skills, the European Commission’s strategy to boost Europe’s competitiveness and address labour shortages through improved education, vocational training and lifelong learning. According to its Terms of Reference, it is expected to operate during the mandate of the current European Commission, from 2026 to 2029.

The appointment of Rector Costoiu brings the perspective of a leading university of science and technology into this important European-level forum at a time when skills, talent and human capital are central to Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and capacity to innovate.

Mihnea Costoiu, (Rector of National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest) said:

“I am honoured to contribute to the European Skills High-Level Board and to support the Union of Skills. Europe’s competitiveness depends on our ability to connect excellent education, research, innovation and industry more effectively, and universities of science and technology have a crucial role in preparing the talent needed for Europe’s future.”

Mihnea Costoiu has served as Rector of POLITEHNICA Bucharest since 2012 and has held several senior roles in CESAER, including as CESAER Vice President 2020–2023 and CESAER Director 2018–2025. POLITEHNICA Bucharest is a Member of CESAER, the strong and united voice of universities of science and technology in Europe.

For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

Photo: Orla Feely (President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin) to the left and Mihnea Costoiu (Rector of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest) to the right. Photo credit POLITEHNICA Bucharest.