"EU Social Newsletter (DG EMPL)" Newsletter Issues

European Child Guarantee gives equal opportunities to children (17/06/2024)

To mark the 3rd anniversary of the European Child Guarantee, the coordinators from 23 EU countries gathered to discuss the ongoing initiatives and actions to support children in need.

Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, the first-ever EU expert elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (28/06/2024)

Access City Award - 2025 (28/06/2024)

Celebrating four years of the new Europass platform (01/07/2024)

The updated Europass platform, launched in July 2020, is celebrating its 4th anniversary. Europass is a lifelong learning and career management EU service which is free and secure for millions of people seeking jobs and learning opportunities across Europe.

New employment policy guidelines for 2024 (19/06/2024)

The Commission has proposed new employment policy guidelines as part of the 2024 European Semester Spring Package. The new guidelines include algorithmic management and its impact on the world of work and actions to tackle skills and labour shortages and improve basic and digital skills.

Apprenticeships to tackle labor and skills shortages (25/06/2024)

Experts, practitioners and policymakers met at the European Alliance for Apprenticeships event to discuss how apprenticeships can help address labour and skills shortages.

Un progetto UE aiuta a migliorare l'equilibrio tra vita professionale e vita privata in Italia (02/07/2024)

Un progetto finanziato dall’UE, ha permesso alla Salcheto Winehouse di riorganizzare radicalmente la gestione delle proprie risorse umane, consentendo un equilibrio migliore tra vita professionale e vita privata. Grazie ad una maggiore flessibilità i genitori possono ora avere orari più flessibili ed organizzare meglio le loro vacanze.

Travelling abroad in the summer? Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (17/06/2024)

Moldova joins the European Social Fund Plus (28/06/2024)

Moldova is now an associated country of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), allowing national organisations to participate in EaSI strand projects.

Latvia’s inclusive campaign for persons with disabilities (28/06/2024)

The "Step into Another's Shoes" campaign encourages empathy and support for persons with disabilities by inviting everyone to wear mismatched shoes.

Reskilling workers for a greener future (28/06/2024)

The EU’s Just Transition Fund has launched a new training programme to help workers from an oil refinery in Matosinhos, Portugal, transition to new jobs in the green economy.

European pension systems showed resiliency amidst crises (20/06/2024)

European pension systems have protected living standards despite global challenges. However, pensions will decrease, requiring reforms to ensure fair retirement security and prevent socio-economic inequalities from increasing with age.

Reasonable accommodation at work guidelines (26/06/2024)

New guidelines help adapt practices at the workplace to support all employees, regardless of their abilities, fostering a more inclusive work environment.

Euronews on social Europe (29/05/2024)

Mario Nava joins DG EMPL as new Director-General (03/06/2024)

Mario Nava has assumed the role of Director-General of DG EMPL. Learn more about Mario’s extensive trajectory and his contributions to the Commission over the years. Follow Mario on X or connect on LinkedIn.

Easy-to-read information available about the 2024 European elections (29/05/2024)

Find easy-to-read details about the 6-9 June European elections on the EU's official website in all EU languages. Easy-to-read texts are designed to be understood by people with intellectual disabilities.

How to spot and combat disinformation (29/05/2024)

The Commission and the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services have launched a campaign to help you identify and fight disinformation with practical tips.

Meet the EU´s candidate for the UN Disability Rights Committee (29/05/2024)

Get to know Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, a Senior Expert on Disability at the Commission and the first-ever EU candidate to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The vote to the Committee will take place on 11 June.

New toolkit for enforcing disability rights (29/05/2024)

The European Disability Forum has released a new toolkit to help the disability community understand and use available remedies when their rights are violated.

Poland advances accessibility with new law (29/05/2024)

Discover how Poland’s new legislation is making it easier for individuals with special needs to access products and services like computers, phones, and online shopping.

European Year of Skills - feedback survey (04/06/2024)

The European Year of Skills concluded on 8 May 2024. We invite you to share your valuable insights through this brief survey.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement. (29/05/2024)

Since the 2004 enlargement, the economies of the new Member States have thrived. Unemployment rates have halved and agricultural production has tripled - all thanks to support from Cohesion Policy and the European Social Fund.

Social Housing in Czechia is more than a roof over the head (29/05/2024)

The Social Housing Initiative in Ostrava, supported by the European Social Fund Plus, provides crucial support to individuals and families in need, offering them a dedicated housing contact point.

Second chances for young Slovenians (29/05/2024)

A 10-month course in Slovenia is helping young adults who left school early to enhance their skills and find jobs.

Creating jobs for Poland’s most vulnerable (29/05/2024)

With support from the European Social Fund, Polish social enterprises such as the Browar Spółdzielczy (Cooperative Brewery) create job opportunities for workers with disabilities.

EYS wrap-up video (29/05/2024)

Supporting social enterprises and disadvantaged workers (30/04/2024)

Discover strategies to boost the recruitment of disadvantaged workers and help social enterprises access finance, overcoming legal and regulatory barriers.

Financing Social Enterprises and Supporting Disadvantaged Worker Recruitment (25/04/2024)

This study identifies strategies to boost the recruitment of disadvantaged workers and help social enterprises overcome barriers to accessing finance, such as limited legal recognition and complex regulations.

Webinar: Labour mobility challenges for artists (07/06/2024)

Joins us for a webinar discussing the challenges artists face in enjoying free movement and coordinating social security rights across borders.

Bridging Gaps: EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 (05/06/2024)

This publication explores the objectives of Cohesion Policy and highlights the impactful results from the 2014-2020 funding period, showcasing projects that illustrate significant benefits at regional, national, and European levels.

Seminar on social and health benefits for home care workers in Germany (14/06/2024)

This seminar will explore the access to social and health benefits for non-working EU citizens and home care workers, focusing on EU rules and German regulations. The seminar is in German.

2024 European Alliance for Apprenticeships event (17/06/2024)

Join the high-level event to discuss how apprenticeships can address labour and skills shortages in Europe.

Conference on longevity in Europe (27/06/2024)

A high-level conference will explore the impact of longevity on pensions, healthcare, and long-term care, and how to tackle these challenges.

Results of the European Year of Skills (02/05/2024)

EU renews commitment to social Europe at La Hulpe conference (16/04/2024)

The Commission, the Parliament, 25 EU Member States, the European Economic and Social Committee, European social partners and civil society signed the Declaration on the Future of the European Pillar of Social Rights, focusing on social and economic progress during the digital and green transitions.

New Eurobarometer survey shows a strong support for social Europe (12/04/2024)

Over 88% of European citizens value a social Europe personally, while 54% believe that there will be a more Social Europe by 2030. Half of the respondents (48%) believe that addressing the high cost of living should be a main priority in their country, followed by addressing low wages (35%).

Consultation of social partners on telework and the right to disconnect (30/04/2024)

The Commission has launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners on EU action for fair telework and the right to disconnect.

Union for the Mediterranean shares insights on youth employment and women’s economic empowerment (17/04/2024)

22 countries from the Union exchanged best practices and emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue amid Middle Eastern developments’ impact on jobs.

Commissioner Schmit calls for stronger Cohesion Policy (30/04/2024)

Commissioner Nicolas Schmit advocated for a more Social Europe and for a greater role for Cohesion Policy in addressing Europe’s housing crisis, youth unemployment and child poverty.

New ESF+ funding targets long-term unemployment (30/04/2024)

The Commission has launched a €23 million call for proposals to address long-term unemployment and support job reintegration.

Cohesion Policy narrows gaps in EU regions (30/04/2024)

The 9th cohesion report highlights progress in reducing disparities between Member States and regions, with continued investment in people and sustainable development.

Commission releases toolkit to support social housing (30/04/2024)

A new toolkit aims to help policymakers use EU funding to invest in social housing and related services.

How working abroad can kickstart careers for young NEETs (02/05/2024)

Joint Employment Report 2024 (27/03/2024)

This report provides an annual overview of employment and social trends in the EU and recent national policy measures,.

Employment and social developments (22/04/2024)

The quarterly review offers insights into environmental concerns among EU citizens and the challenges they encounter in reducing emissions in their daily lives.

Commission takes action to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU (20/03/2024)

A strong Social Europe that protects (02/04/2024)

The Commission set three ambitious EU-wide social targets to achieve by 2030, focusing on employment, training, and poverty reduction. In this new brochure you can find a snapshot of the Commission's efforts to build a fairer and more inclusive Europe over the past 5 years.

Commission sets out actions to tackle labour and skills shortages (20/03/2024)

The new action plan lists actions at EU, national, and social partner levels to support underrepresented individuals in the labour market, and enhance skills development, training, and education.

New survey shows Pact for Skills helped train 3.5 million workers (25/03/2024)

The survey also shows how the 20 large-scale skills partnerships created under the Pact so far have helped improve the skills of workers in strategic sectors, such as micro-electronics, renewable energy, maritime technology, textiles, agri-food and digital ecosystems. Together, all large-scale skills partnerships have pledged to upskill and reskill over 25 million people by 2030.

Europass and European Qualifications Framework enhance skills recognition (27/03/2024)

The results confirm the positive impact of these two key EU initiatives promoting transparency and a common understanding of qualifications and skills across Europe in the education and employment sectors.

2024 REGIOSTARS awards now open to cohesion projects (25/03/2024)

All beneficiaries of cohesion policy-funded projects, including those from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), are encouraged to submit applications to the annual REGIOSTARS competition, which rewards the best projects.

La réussite des « Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée » (25/03/2024)

L’approche collaborative des « Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée », financée par le Fond Social Européen, favorise son succès. En travaillant étroitement avec les entreprises locales, les municipalités, les organismes pour l’emploi et les chômeurs, l’initiative française permet d’identifier de nouvelles possibilités d’emploi.

ESF+ welcomes Serbia and Montenegro for social initiatives (25/03/2024)

Serbia and Montenegro have joined the ESF+ as associated countries, allowing organisations from these countries to participate in projects funded by the ESF+ Employment and Social Innovation strand.

Building a fairer and more inclusive Union (26/03/2024)

Protecting workers from dangerous chemicals (21/03/2024)

Annual report on intra-EU labour mobility 2023 (12/03/2024)

The report indicates that working-age EU citizens living in another Member State remain stable at approximately 10 million. However, there has been a rebound in the number of individuals moving to another country or returning to their country of nationality, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels.

Can displaced persons from Ukraine move freely within the EU? (25/03/2024)

The Temporary Protection Directive does not allow displaced people to freely seek or accept employment in another Member State, as each Member State establishes its own rules and regulations regarding the employment of third-country nationals within their borders.

Study on telework and the right to disconnect (25/03/2024)

Telework is expected to continue growing in the EU, with up to 22% of employees working from home by 2030. The study sheds light on this trend and explores challenges and opportunities. While telework offers cost saving benefits and improves work-life balance, it requires measures to prevent overwork and protect workers’ rights.

High-Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights (15/04/2024)

This conference brings together politicians, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to discuss and improve the implementation of the Pillar’s principles, ensure its continued application and discuss its future.

Social innovation for zero long-term unemployment - towards an EU-wide response (18/04/2024)

This high-level event, with the participation of the European Commissioner for Jobs and Growth Nicolas Schmit, the President and members of the Committee of the Regions, will discuss how to work together at the EU and at local level to tackle long-term unemployment. It will announce new EU funding opportunities, worth EUR 23 million, to support local projects for zero long-term unemployment and job guarantee schemes.

European Social Work Conference (25/04/2024)

This event will highlight the significance of collective action and knowledge sharing in addressing urgent societal challenges, including climate change, migration, and digitalization.

The European Year of Skills: What comes next? (30/04/2024)

Register now for the closing event of the European Year of Skills. Together, we will reflect on the achievements of the past year and chart the course ahead.

Commission welcomes political agreement on European Disability and Parking Cards (08/02/2024)

The Citizens' Eng​agement Platform is an online space where all EU citizens can exchange their ideas. The Platform's inaugural debate will invite citizen contributions on the topic of Energy Efficiency.

Your voice matters: Citizens' Engagement Platform (20/02/2024)

The Citizens' Eng​agement Platform is an online space for people to engage with and debate EU policies affecting us all. Providing feedback is a vital part of the EU's policymaking process. The Platform's inaugural debate was on energy efficiency.

EURES celebrates it´s 30th anniversary (26/02/2024)

The European network of employment services (EURES) connects jobseekers with employers and provides information on living and working conditions across the EU. In 2022, over 3.4 million people used EURES.

Learn more about national social protection systems (02/02/2024)

The Mutual Information System on Social Protection, has just released insights on social protection systems across Europe.

Public consultation on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) (31/10/2023)

Help the EU evaluate the support provided by FEAD during the 2014-2020 funding period. The online public consultation is open until 8 May.

Poland gets access to EU funding (29/02/2024)

The Commission has approved two legal measures facilitating Poland's access to €137 billion in EU funding. These acts acknowledge Poland's rule of law reforms and recent efforts to bolster judicial independence.

Supporting mobility for disadvantaged youth (26/02/2024)

More than €11 million have been awarded to 28 ALMA (Aim-Learn-Master-Achieve) projects that help disadvantaged young people.

€1.9 million to support dismissed workers in Denmark (29/02/2024)

The Commission has proposed using the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to support 390 workers dismissed in Denmark's meat processing sector. The support package includes advisory services, job search assistance and training.

€3 million to support dismissed steel workers in Germany (29/02/2024)

The Commission has proposed using the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to support 835 workers dismissed in the German steel industry. The support includes counselling, job search assistance, and training offers.

Des solutions innovantes pour sortir du chômage de longue durée (26/02/2024)

La «conciergerie sociale» de Liège fait partie des 17 projets soutenus par le Fonds social européen plus qui visent à créer des territoires zéro chomeurs de longue durée. Inspiré des modèles français, autrichien et néerlandais, il implique les autorités locales, les associations, les entreprises et les résidents.

Euronews International Day of Women (05/03/2024)

A taskforce for the future: The EU's plan to upskill workers to tackle labour shortages (26/02/2024)

Innovative ways to address long-term unemployment in Europe (07/03/2024)

The report ‘Towards zero long-term unemployment in the EU’ highlights promising initiatives across Europe that could be expanded to tackle long-term unemployment.

Making the labour market more inclusive (26/02/2024)

This report examines strategies to help people with disabilities find work and emphasises the role of employers in providing reasonable accommodation. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can participate fully.

Handbuch zu barrierefreien Dokumenten in Lernkontexten (26/02/2024)

Deutschland hat eine neue Fassung seines Online-Handbuchs über zugängliche Dokumente in Lernkontexten veröffentlicht.

Court of Justice of the EU and EFTA Court decisions: legal report for 2023 (26/02/2024)

This report aims to promote better alignment and use of legal mechanisms to facilitate smoother cooperation in social security matters between the EU and the European Economic Area.

Registration now for the Pact for Skills Forum (21/03/2024)

The Skills Forum, scheduled for 21 and 22 in Brussels and online aims to showcase the achievements of the Pact thus far and present its vision for the future.

AccessibleEU events in March (29/02/2024)

Find more about this month´s AccessibleEU events taking place in Bulgaria, Germany, Luxemburg, Malta and Poland.

EU and social partners meet in Val Duchesse (30/01/2024)

The Commission, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and European social partners committed to addressing challenges in the world of work through strengthened social dialogue.

Strengthening European Works Councils (24/01/2024)

The Commission has proposed a revision to the European Works Councils Directive to improve social dialogue and make it easier for companies to consult employees on cross-border matters.

Organise a discussion at the closing event for the Year of Skills (29/01/2024)

Lead a discussion on a skills-related topic of your choice at the Year of Skills closing event in May, held in Brussels and online. Apply by 20 February.

Euronews Episode - Homelessness (31/01/2024)

The European Child Guarantee’s new monitoring framework (19/01/2024)

This framework will better monitor children's access to education, school activities, food at school, healthcare and housing.

Making payment terminals more accessible for visually impaired users (29/01/2024)

The European Blind Union has published a paper to engage payment terminals manufacturers in making their devices more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.

Addressing societal challenges of the war in Ukraine (29/01/2024)

The European Competence Centre for Social Innovation has launched a €22 million call for proposals, to mitigate the societal impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How do European Structural and Investment Funds support employment? (29/01/2024)

The 2023 Summary Report underscored the vital role of European funds which, among major goals, assisted 64.5 million people find employment or get skilled and improved health services for 63 million.

Ambitious 2024 work programme for employment and social innovation (29/01/2024)

The Commission's 2024 plan for the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), allocates €127 million to promote social inclusion in the EU.

EU funds: Ensuring compliance with fundamental rights (29/01/2024)

This report examines how the new rules in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be put into practice.

New Study on the European Works Councils Directive (24/01/2024)

This study feeds into the Commission's impact assessment for the Directive on European Works Councils.

Meet the Champions of Excellence (23/02/2024)

This event, co-hosted with the European Economic and Social Committee, will highlight the importance of vocational education and training (VET) as a valuable educational and career choice.

Rolling into 2024: Why we need everyone on board for the Year of Skills (09/01/2024)

New EU Guide on disability-inclusive electoral practices (11/12/2023)

The guide gives an overview of good practices to help increase the participation of citizens with disabilities in elections across the EU.

Pact for Skills: Addressing skills gaps in healthcare (04/12/2023)

With the Commission´s support, the healthcare sector has set up a new large-scale skills partnership to provide training in a sector that is currently facing skills shortages.

Pact for Skills: Digitalising the energy sector (14/12/2023)

The European energy sector has set up a new large-scale skills partnership to boost digital skills in across the continent.

How can we involve disadvantaged children in public decision-making? (07/12/2023)

The Commission collaborates with ‘Reaching In’ project, funded by Eurochild, to boost the participation that marginalised children in public decision-making.

Call for proposals for gender-based violence and child protection (09/01/2024)

The EU will fund initiatives that help prevent gender-based violence, protect victims, and promote robust children protection systems.

Call for proposals for gender equality (09/01/2024)

The EU will support and advance impactful projects that promote women’s rights, empowerment and advance gender equality.

Commissioner Schmit advocates for a skills revolution (09/01/2024)

Commissioner Nicolas Schmit underscores the European Social Fund Plus´s (ESF+) role in addressing Europe's skills gaps in Zagreb, Croatia.

EU funds drive sustainable construction in Denmark (09/01/2024)

Southern Zealand tackles mega infrastructure challenges with the support from EU funding.

Automation, algorithms and the need to adapt: How is AI reshaping the world of work? (14/12/2023)

2023 Summary Report on ESI Funds Implementation (15/01/2024)

The recently published 2023 Summary Report on the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) highlights key accomplishments up to the end of 2022.

The European Disability Card will enhance free movement (14/12/2023)

This study highlights stakeholder support for the mutual recognition of disability status for persons with disabilities traveling in the EU through the introduction of a European Disability Card.

The evolution of inequality of opportunity in the EU (09/01/2024)

This study shows that 40% of earnings inequality across the EU is tied to factors like gender, parental education, foreign background and health status

Guiding Europe in the digital and green transition (09/01/2024)

Two new reports highlight gaps in research to steer Europe’s digital and green transition. Examining projects funded by Horizon 2020, they aim to inform balanced and evidence-based policymaking for a fair and just transition.

Access City Award 2024 Winner (29/11/2023)

The Access City Award has been created by the European Commission to reward cities that have prioritised accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Securing workers' rights in the AI revolution (28/11/2023)

How can AI make the world of work more inclusive and productive? How can the EU ensure that workers’ rights are protected in the wake of technological advancements? Take a look at the highlights of the second European Employment and Social Rights Forum.

European Semester: Key priorities to strengthen EU competitiveness in 2024 (28/11/2023)

The Commission has launched the 2024 European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination.

New measures on skills and talent to address critical labour shortages (28/11/2023)

The Commission is presenting new initiatives to make it easier for Europeans to learn abroad, and to make the EU more attractive to non-EU learners.

New survey launched: Empowering older people in the labour market (28/11/2023)

The AGE 2023 Barometer analyses older people's place in the labour market and reports on inspiring practices in 19 EU countries. This first edition focuses on three policy areas: support for older people in the labour market, age discrimination in employment and workplaces for all ages.

European Health Insurance Card (30/11/2023)

Czech ESF+ funded project wins REGIOSTARS 2023 award (28/11/2023)

ProFem 2.0, a centre for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Czechia, has won the 2023 REGIOSTARS award in the category ‘A social and inclusive Europe’. A total of seven EU-funded projects received REGIOSTAR awards.

New call for proposals to unlock skills and support vulnerable youth (28/11/2023)

Take part in this new call for transnational projects to develop young people’s skills and help them integrate into the labour market. EUR 9 million will be available to develop or scale up innovative practices that have proven to be successful in other countries and regions.

Introducing Social Innovation Match (SIM) database (28/11/2023)

Catalogue of positive actions to encourage the hiring of persons with disabilities (28/11/2023)

Read about positive actions taken out by employers and public authorities in Europe to hire persons with disabilities and combat stereotypes.

Economic and distributional effects of higher energy prices on households (28/11/2023)

This paper analyses the increase of energy prices since mid-2021, and its effect on low and middle-income households. It focuses on price changes in energy and transport and their impact on income distribution.

Quarterly Review of Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) (27/11/2023)

This review focuses on the impact of demographic changes on labour market outcomes and the potential of pension reforms to counteract these projected trends. ESDE quarterly reviews provide an overview of recent social and labour market developments in the EU.

Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe 2023 (28/11/2023)

The 2023 Annual Review highlights the EU's economic resilience amid global challenges. The report underscores the dynamic nature of the labour market, with businesses facing labour shortages despite positive economic indicators.

Joint Employment Report 2024 - Commission proposal (28/11/2023)

The report provides an annual overview of key employment and social developments in the EU and its countries recent policy measures.

Last Chance to Register (16/11/2023)

How do we make Artificial Intelligence (AI) at work fair for everyone? How do we ensure AI-driven work is equal and transparent?

Public employment services: 1.87 million employment contracts for displaced people from Ukraine (05/10/2023)

A recent survey by Public Employment Services shows they are crucial in helping displaced people from Ukraine integrate into the labour market, with around 1.87 million employment contracts in place. Most registered people from Ukraine are young, well-educated and primarily women.

Moving to another EU country? Keep your social security rights! (30/10/2023)

If you are you currently benefitting from maternity leave, receiving a pension or other social security benefits, you can keep accessing these if you move to another EU country!

Public Consultation: assess the performance of the European Labour Authority (07/11/2023)

Take part in the European Commission's evaluation of the European Labour Authority to assess how effectively it delivers on its mandate and objectives. This evaluation will help identify any potential need for modifying the ELA's mandate.

Belgique: 2,8 millions d'euros pour accompagner des travailleurs licenciés (12/10/2023)

421 personnes récemment licenciées en Belgique vont bénéficier d’aide à l’emploi grâce aux Fonds européen d'ajustement à la mondialisation. Plus de 2,8 millions d'euros contribueront à fournir des conseils personnalisés et de la formation à ces travailleurs.

Campaign launched for safety and health in the digital era (24/10/2023)

The campaign is part of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work, which features hundreds of awareness-raising events across the EU and beyond. The focus is on safe and healthy work in the digital age.

European Disability Card in easy-to-read (31/10/2023)

An easy-to-read page on the Commission’s recent proposal for a European Disability Card makes sure that everyone can understand how the Card can help making lives of people with disabilities much easier. It is available in English, French and German.

What is the EU doing for your skills? (30/10/2023)

The European Year of Skills provides the perfect chance to learn new skills and make them work for your career, future, and life – all with support from the EU. Explore EU initiatives that can help you achieve your dreams.

EU-funded projects give a stronger sense of EU citizenship (19/10/2023)

The latest Eurobarometer indicates that awareness of EU support for European regions remains stable: 39% of EU citizens are aware of this support up from 2021 and 2019.

Cataluña invierte en la formación de adultos desempleados en profesiones técnicas (23/10/2023)

El Centro de Innovación y Formación Profesional de Sant Feliu de Llobregat es cofinanciado por el Fondo Social Europeo Plus y ayuda a jóvenes adultos desempleados a adquirir competencias técnicas especializadas que están en demanda. El centro también fomenta la participación de más mujeres, en particular a través de la formación.

Innovative career guidance for young people in Austria (17/10/2023)

The 'Career guidance' project, managed by the vocational training institute BFI Burgenland helps young people make a smooth transition from school to the world of work. Over 10 weeks, participants explore their interests and individual aspirations and get a realistic picture of the world of work.

Interactive version of the Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report 2023 (06/07/2023)

Discover the new digital version of the 2023 Employment and Social Developments in Europe report which features many interactive graphs and visualisations.

Lower-income households are the hardest hit by inflation (09/10/2023)

This paper examines the impact of high inflation in EU countries, showing a significant increase in how inflation affects different households. It confirms that lower-income households are the worst affected by rising inflation.

Fair transition towards climate neutrality (20/10/2023)

Using concrete policies, research and social dialogue in EU countries, this report looks into how the green transition affects the economy. It analyses measures related to employment, skills and social dialogue, as well as future impact predictions.

Measures to tackle the energy and living costs crisis (17/10/2023)

The annual report by the Social Protection Committee examines social conditions and social protection policies across the EU, with a special focus on the energy and cost of living challenges.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) meeting (27/11/2023)

European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 (30/11/2023)

The European Commission’s annual conference in partnership with the European Disability Forum will mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, bringing together more than 400 policymakers, high-level experts and disability advocates. It will also announce the winner of the2024 Access City Award.

Improving the quality of traineeships (28/09/2023)

The European Commission has launched the second-phase consultation of European social partners to revise the 2014 EU Quality Framework for Traineeships, which outlines 21 principles for Member States to ensure high-quality traineeships.

Europe will do whatever it takes to keep its competitive edge (14/09/2023)

In the State of the Union address, the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, outlined key priorities and initiatives for the year to come, including tackling labour shortages, strengthening social dialogue and a European Wind Power Package that covers skills development.

Eurobarometer highlights skills shortages in small and medium-sized enterprises (12/09/2023)

A new Eurobarometer survey confirms that skilled workers are key to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe.

2023 REGIOSTARS: voting is open! (15/09/2023)

REGIOSTARS awards celebrate the EU’s most innovative cohesion policy projects and engage people in choosing the Public Choice Award winner. Vote now for your favourite projects among the 30 finalists.

Giving Dutch youth a brighter future with skills (28/09/2023)

Supported by nearly €2 million from the European Social Fund (ESF), the 'Praktijkcollege Rotterdam' project offers vulnerable young people the chance to realise their potential through education and the essential skills for success.

Czech victims of violence find a path to a new life (21/09/2023)

Co-funded by the ESF, 'ProFem 2.0' is a pioneering project that assists victims of domestic and sexual violence. Its efforts have led to the opening of the first ‘PORT’ centre, where victims of violence can access crisis assistance and accommodation, social and legal counselling, and medical services all at the same location.

Deutsche Projekte öffnen Karrieretüren für junge Menschen (18/09/2023)

In Baden-Württemberg unterstützen die ESF-geförderten Projekte „Brückenfreunde“ und „Wir Gastfreunde“ junge Menschen, Langzeitarbeitslose und Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund bei der Entwicklung der Kompetenzen, die sie benötigen, um auf dem Arbeitsmarkt erfolgreich zu sein.

Ensuring access to the European Child Guarantee for children in need (20/09/2023)

About half of all EU countries do not provide free access to childcare for children under 3, even for low-income households. Over two thirds of Member States do not provide free school meals for low-income students in compulsory education. Read more about the accessibility, availability and affordability of key services covered by the European Child Guarantee.

Empowering young adults on social assistance (18/09/2023)

This report builds on a peer review involving government and local-level social services representatives, examining active inclusion measures.

Smart ways to monitor and evaluate the European Social Fund (13/09/2023)

This study explores the legal and practical challenges of accessing and reusing administrative data to monitor and evaluate ESF+ programmes.

Career guidance for workers (06/09/2023)

This leaflet describes the main ingredients that contribute to quality in career guidance and how workers can benefit from it.

2023 European Week of Regions and Cities (09/10/2023)

The 21st European Week of Regions and Cities will feature six sessions on long-term care, skills promotion and learning mobility, as well as the Social Economy Gateway, the ALMA youth inclusion initiative and the Social Innovation+ initiative of the European Social Fund.

Social security and labour law aspects of posting of workers (25/10/2023)

The Free Movement and Social Security Coordination (MoveS network) is hosting a seminar to discuss how national legislation affects the posting of workers, focusing on practical implementation in terms of social security and labour law.

European Vocational Skills Week (23/10/2023)

The 2023 European Vocational Skills Week puts the spotlight on vocational education and training opportunities, which help people of all ages to develop and improve their skills for both their careers and personal growth.