ANCHOR project partners held a Kick-off meeting on 24-25 June, uniting 12 partners from 8 countries, along with 7 strategic associated partners, to improve labour market governance in the Danube Region.
Across the region, labour markets are under pressure: some areas face severe labour shortages, while others struggle with long-term unemployment, driven by demographic decline, youth outmigration, and the social exclusion of vulnerable groups.
The ANCHOR project responds to these challenges by:
-
Strengthening the capacities of institutions to manage change
-
Building integrated governance structures that connect local, regional, and national actors
-
Developing transnational strategies and local action plans
-
Piloting innovative tools to support workforce development
-
Co-creating practical guides for replication across the region
Our goal is to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready labour markets. By fostering cooperation across borders, ANCHOR helps ensure that the Danube Region can adapt to demographic shifts and offer better opportunities for all.
Following the introduction of our project partners from across the Danube Region, we launched straight into action with a dynamic roundtable discussion that set the tone for meaningful collaboration.
Session Highlight: “Labour Market Balance through Public–Private Partnership”
This engaging session brought together key voices from local industry, education, and governance to explore:
-
Regional labour market dynamics
-
Challenges in public–private cooperation
-
Opportunities for better alignment between employers, educational institutions, and public authorities
The energy and insight from this first session reflect the core ambition of ANCHOR: building stronger, more resilient labour markets across the region.
An inspiring afternoon unfolded for the ANCHOR partnership at LEGO Manufacturing Nyíregyháza – one of the region’s largest employers and an essential contributor to the local employment pact.
We were warmly welcomed for an unforgettable site visit, where we experienced firsthand the scale, precision, and innovation behind LEGO’s world-class production facility. From raw materials to the iconic, perfectly crafted bricks, the guided tour offered a fascinating glimpse into the entire manufacturing process.
What truly stood out was not only the cutting-edge technology but also LEGO’s openness to share insights and genuine commitment to collaboration.
Following the tour, we engaged in a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion with LEGO’s HR Director, centring on real-world strategies and reflections tied directly to the ANCHOR project’s mission:
Attracting and retaining talent
Tackling labour shortages
Promoting inclusive employment practices
Strengthening partnerships between business and public institutions
This visit offered a powerful example of how leading employers can play a proactive role in shaping effective, inclusive labour market governance – a cornerstone of the ANCHOR initiative.
A heartfelt thank-you to the LEGO Nyíregyháza team for their warm hospitality and for sharing their inspiring journey with us.