In recent years, the identification of skills and competences is becoming more important and valuable, both in the area of educational program planning made by several organizations and the area of recognition of the individual's qualifications and employability. Furthermore, if the real and growing need for labor mobility in different areas, both at the national and international level, is taken into account, the significance of clear delimitation, determination, description and classification of particular skills and competences required are widely understood. This paper presents different approaches to the specific description of the terms “skills” and “competences” that various researchers have developed over the years. In addition, it describes the main efforts for a common basis of description and translation of the terms “skills” and “competences” used by various European and international organizations, in order to contribute to strengthening the labor market in Europe. Finally, a new concept is discussed, relating to the creation, cultivation and transmission of necessary skills, sustainability skills and sustainable literacy, as they are perceived in a globalized world, which is expected to lead to a gradual change of core educational goals towards this direction.