Quality Jobs Roadmap (30/04/2025)

Spotlight on social convergence (14/04/2025)

The Commission published its in-depth analysis for 10 countries that were identified in the Social Convergence Framework. The findings will now be discussed with Member States ahead of the forthcoming adoption of the 2025 European Semester Spring Package.

Powering up apprenticeships (28/04/2025)

The Spanish association of vocational training centres 'FPEmpresa' shares how joining the European Alliance for Apprenticeships has increased the visibility of its work, expanded its networking opportunities, and streghtened the quality of its apprenticeship programmes.

Transforming the workforce: how public employment services support the skills revolution (25/04/2025)

Through career guidance, skills assessments, and the introduction of Individual Learning Accounts, the latest PES Network report explains how public employment services empower people to learn new skills and be able to adapt to the needs of a changing labour market.

Boosting vocational careers in France (30/04/2025)

Learn how the European Social Fund Plus helps the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region to boost technical and industrial careers.

The European Social Fund Plus in Germany (30/04/2025)

European Social Fund Plus projects across Germany are opening doors to jobs, training, and vital support — from refugee counselling in Lower Saxony to homelessness services in Berlin.

Just Europe 3 (30/04/2025)

Europe’s labour market in focus (10/04/2025)

The quarterly review of the Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) offers an overview of recent labour market and social developments in the EU. This edition focuses on underemployment among part-time workers and the reasons why these workers work less than they want to.

Supporting Europe’s most deprived (28/04/2025)

This study presents the main findings of the evaluation of the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), since it was launched in 2014 until 2020. It assesses the fund’s effectiveness, relevance, and added value.

Happy Birthday – Cedefop’s 50th anniversary conference (27/05/2025)

Cedefop marks its 50th anniversary with a high-level conference on 27 May that will explore issues like the future of vocational education and training, bridging the gap between learning and the labour market, and better skills for EU citizens. Register now!

Contribute to the 2025 EAfA get together! (01/07/2025)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships invites members to get involved in the 2025 EAfA Get Together event, taking place on 1 July in Brussels. Don’t miss your chance to connect, exchange ideas and inspiring practices in apprenticeships and vocational education and training!

The union of skills communication (04/04/2025)

Just Europe Podcast Episode 2 (04/04/2025)

Stronger and faster EU social and employment funds (01/04/2025)

The Commission proposed to amend the European Social Fund Plus and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to broaden their scope and make it easier to mobilise support for workers.

Advancing Vocational Excellence (01/04/2025)

The IntVE Conference 2025 brought together delegates from 30 countries, fostering collaboration among Centres of Vocational Excellence, policymakers, educators, researchers, and industry leaders.

School Meals: A smart investment for health and education (13/03/2025)

This report highlights how school meal programmes in the EU improve child health, boost learning, and reduce social inequalities. Ensuring at least one healthy meal per school day for children in need, a key goal of the European Child Guarantee.

A new path for Belgium’s vulnerable youth (26/03/2025)

His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium visited and praised the life-changing impact of Parcourage, a Bruges initiative supported by the European Social Fund Plus that helps vulnerable young adults overcome homelessness, addiction, and other challenges through personalised guidance and support.

EU funding helps Portugal’s young talent to go global (26/03/2025)

NOV Contacto gives young Portuguese professionals work experience abroad to help them develop skills and boost career prospects. Funded by AICEP and the European Social Fund Plus, the initiative connects companies with recent graduates.

Better jobs for women in Austria (26/03/2025)

With support from the European Social Fund, FairPlusService offers free coaching that helps women gain skills, secure better jobs, and feel valued while also guiding businesses toward fairer, more sustainable employment practices.

The future of work in the EU: Trends and challenges (24/03/2025)

The green and digital transitions are reshaping jobs across the EU, driving labour shortages and changing skill demands. This paper examines how these forces impact employment conditions and job quality.

Green Transition: Jobs, Skills & Challenges (21/03/2025)

This paper examines how the green transition is reshaping jobs across key industries and highlights the persistent training gaps. Meeting the EU Green Deal targets will require up to 145,000 more skilled workers and €1.4 billion in training investments by 2030.

Shaping EU Apprenticeships: A Webinar on Fairness & Quality (10/04/2025)

Join the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) on 10 April 2025 for a webinar on the future of apprenticeships in Europe, focusing on quality training and fair working conditions.

Building Stronger Lifelong Guidance Systems (10/04/2025)

This webinar will explore the importance of lifelong guidance systems in helping individuals adapt to societal and economic changes. Aimed at policymakers, stakeholders, guidance providers across education, training, labor markets, and social services

Employment and Social Affairs Forum 2025 (10/03/2025)

Union of Skills strategy to equip people for a competitive Europe (05/03/2025)

The Commission has presented the Union of Skills, a strategy to boost high quality education and skills development and to plug labour gaps in the EU and increase EU’s competitiveness

Stronger social dialogue for a resilient Europe (05/03/2025)

The Commission and social partners have signed a new Pact for European Social Dialogue to strengthen their role in shaping labour, employment, and social policies.

Strengthening the automotive industry (13/03/2025)

The Commission launched an action plan to support the automotive sector’s competitiveness. It announces an expansion of support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), allowing companies to trigger support and supporting workers threatened by immediate redundancy.

Supporting displaced Ukrainians: Public employment services in action (04/03/2025)

Public Employment Services (PES) play a crucial role in integrating displaced Ukrainians into the EU’s workforce. A survey by the European Network of PES presents details on the services provided, funding, and partnerships.

REGIOSTARS 2025: Apply now (10/03/2025)

Apply now to the 2025 edition of the REGIOSTARS Awards. Cohesion projects all over the EU can apply until 20 May. The general public will then vote for their favourite project .

The impact of the European Social Fund in Spain (10/03/2025)

Between 2014 and 2020, the European Social Fund supported 9 million people in Spain, nearly half of whom were unemployed. From 2021 to 2027, the European Social Fund Plus will invest over €16.5 billion in the country, 20% more than in the previous period.

Just Europe Podcast (10/03/2025)

Employment, skills & poverty: Where does the EU stand in 2025? (11/02/2025)

The 2025 Joint Employment Report tracks the EU’s progress toward its 2030 employment, skills, and poverty reduction targets. While the EU remains well on track to meet its employment goals, important efforts are needed to achieve the skills and poverty reduction targets.

2024 report on labour mobility in the EU (11/02/2025)

The 2024 intra-EU labour mobility report examines recent trends in workers movement across the EU and EFTA countries, focusing on who is moving, their characteristics, and their social conditions.

Flexible retirement in Europe (05/03/2025)

This new report prepared by the European Social Policy Analysis Network explores flexible retirement policies across 27 EU countries and Norway, assessing their impact on labour markets, fiscal sustainability, and quality of life.

MoveS seminar in Norway: Tackling error and fraud in social security coordination (18/03/2025)

This seminar, hosted by the Commission-funded MoveS network, will address error and fraud in social security coordination and free movement in the European Economic Area.

Webinar on Improving apprenticeship quality and working conditions (10/04/2025)

Register for this EAfA webinar to explore ways to enhance apprenticeship programmes and improve working conditions across Europe.

European Employment and Social Affairs Forum Teaser Video (30/01/2025)

An EU Compass to strengthen competitiveness (31/01/2025)

The Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, a key strategic framework to guide Europe's path toward innovation and sustainable prosperity, including skills and quality jobs as important enablers

Update on Europe’s social protection systems (27/01/2025)

Take a look at the latest update of the Mutual Information System on Social Protection (MISSOC), which provides a detailed database on social protection systems across all countries in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, with invaluable insights for comparison and analysis.

Empowering apprenticeships across Europe (23/01/2025)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) presented its 2025 action plan, prioritising innovation and collaboration to enhance quality apprenticeships in the EU and beyond.

€116 million support for Ukrainian children in Polish schools (30/01/2025)

The Commission announced a €116 million support package to help integrate Ukrainian pupils into Polish schools. The funding will be used to hire intercultural assistants, provide training to teachers, and improve psychological care.

Boosting investment in critical technologies (30/01/2025)

The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) will address global competition by combining resources from 11 EU funding programmes, including the European Social Fund Plus, to support critical technologies and strengthen Europe's industrial base.

Support for climate disaster recovery (30/01/2025)

The Commission welcomed the adoption of the RESTORE proposal. Member States can now request assistance to recover from climate-related disasters, with funding available for infrastructure repairs, food and material aid, healthcare, and short-time work schemes.

ESDE review focuses on overqualification of migrant workers (23/01/2025)

The latest quarterly review of the Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report explores the overqualification of workers born outside the EU, highlighting the barriers in the recognition of qualifications as one of the key factors.

Conditions for success in the areas of ESF+ intervention (27/01/2025)

This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and conditions that are needed for successful structural change in areas targeted by the European Social Fund Plus.

First Winter Camp on Vocational Excellence (10/02/2025)

This event will bring together Centres of Vocational Excellence to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The event will focus on the development of green and digital skills. It will feature workshops and opportunities for innovative projects to drive excellence in vocational education across Europe.

Disability topics leaving DG EMPL (30/01/2025)

European Semester: Socio-economic recommendations and proposals for the 2025 Joint Employment Report (19/12/2024)

Last December, the Commission presented the second part of the European Semester Autumn Package. It is for the first time that the Social Convergence Framework is included in the economic governance review.

European Employment and Social Rights Forum 2025 (07/01/2025)

Ensuring healthy school meals for children in need (18/12/2024)

The European Child Guarantee Coordinators met in Brussels to discuss new findings and initiatives to ensure one free, healthy meal per school day for vulnerable children.

Survey shows decline in adult skills across Europe (10/12/2024)

The latest Survey of Adult Skills finds that literacy and numeracy skills among adults aged 16-65 in Europe have mostly declined or stagnated over the past decade. The findings highlight an urgent need to address skill gaps to improve job prospects, quality of life, and economic growth.

Subscribe to the Europass network newsletter (07/01/2025)

The Europass newsletter will keep you informed of the latest news and updates of the Europass community, including upcoming events, webinars and best practices.

Supporting SMEs in offering apprenticeships (12/12/2024)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) published a factsheet that provides a good overview of support available for SMEs offering

Helping parents find jobs and childcare in Brussels (07/01/2025)

With support from the European Social Fund Plus, Actiris strengthens childcare options for children aged 0 to 3, allowing parents in training to concentrate on advancing their careers. This initiative provides job seekers with the confidence to pursue opportunities, knowing their youngest children are cared for in a secure and nurturing environment.

Building inclusion and community for Romania’s elderly (07/01/2025)

In Timisoara, Romania, the Geras project, funded by the European Social Fund, tackled isolation among elderly people with tailored support and community-building initiatives.

Podcast: Reflecting on 10 Years of the PES Network (19/12/2024)

Labour market and wage developments in Europe (19/12/2024)

The Commission’s 2024 report shows that the EU labour market remained robust in 2023, despite economic challenges. With historically low unemployment, 5.5 million new jobs since 2019, and rising real incomes, the EU labour market continues to thrive.

Celebrating 20 years of the European Health Insurance Card (17/12/2024)

The European Health Insurance Card marks 20 years of providing European citizens with easy access to healthcare while traveling. It has become a key symbol of EU unity, ensuring vital healthcare services across borders.

New College of Commissioners (28/11/2024)

...

Vienna wins the 2025 Access City Award (29/11/2024)

Vienna has been awarded the 2025 Access City Award for its outstanding accessibility initiatives, such as: improving access to public spaces, transport and services, enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities and setting a European standard for inclusion.

Simplifying declarations for posted workers (13/11/2024)

A new single digital declaration portal has been proposed by the Commission to ease administrative burdens for companies sending posted workers to other Member States.

Adequate minimum wages across the EU (15/11/2024)

The deadline for Member States to implement the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages into national law was 15 November 2024. This Directive aims to ensure adequate minimum wages for workers to improve social fairness across the EU.

EU reaffirms support for Ukraine (19/11/2024)

1,000 days after the start of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the EU and Member States have provided around €124 billion in economic, humanitarian, and military aid, demonstrating unprecedented support for Ukraine and its people.

Independent living for persons with disabilities (20/11/2024)

The Commission's new guidance on independent living for persons with disabilities provides recommendations to help Member States shift from institutional care to community-based services. This aims to empower persons with disabilities to choose how, where and with whom they live and to provide them with equal access to services.

France’s fight against food insecurity (28/11/2024)

The "Restos du Cœur" organisation distributes millions of meals with strong support from EU funds. Through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), nearly €650 million has been allocated for 2021-2027, supporting not only food aid but also housing, healthcare, and cultural inclusion.

Tackling food deprivation, child poverty, and homelessness (28/11/2024)

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) delivers food aid, material support, and vouchers to those in need. In 2022, FEAD provided food aid to 14.2 million vulnerable people, and material assistance, such as shoes, clothing and soap, to another 800.000 persons.

Empowering talent in vocational education (28/11/2024)

Two vocational schools in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, prepare students for their careers and integration into Dutch society, thanks to funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Tackling transport poverty (15/11/2024)

This report explores the definitions, indicators, and causes of transport poverty, offering strategies and effective actions to mitigate it. The report offers key results from studies carried out for Germany, Poland, Romania and Spain.

Valorising volunteering for people and places (05/12/2024)

This webinar organised by the OECD will explore effective policies, programmes, and initiatives to support volunteering. Tune in on 5 December for fresh insights on the topic, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with international experts and practitioners

PES network board meeting (05/12/2024)

The Heads of European Public Employment Services (PES) will gather on 5 and 6 December 2024 for the 22nd PES network board meeting.

Banner ESDE (30/10/2024)

banner

2025 Access City Award finalists (31/10/2024)

Discover Borås, Cartagena, Nuremberg, and Vienna—the finalists for the 2025 Access City Award. These cities have been doing outstanding efforts to make public spaces, transport, and other services easily accessible for people with disabilities.

New Course: Building a more accessible Europe (30/10/2024)

AccessibleEU is launching the course "Introduction to Accessibility in the Built Environment," which covers inclusive design principles, solutions to common barriers, and the benefits of accessibility.

Join us in shaping safe asbestos practices (15/10/2024)

The Commission is seeking asbestos experts to contribute to the development of good practice guidelines for safe asbestos management in the workplace.

2024 REGIOSTARS: Discover this year’s winners (31/10/2024)

The REGIOSTARS awards celebrate EU-funded projects tackling key challenges across Europe. From sustainable recycling in Italy to telemedicine in Hungary, the winning projects showcase how EU funding drives real change in communities.

Boosting ESF+ Support for Climate Disaster Recovery (31/10/2024)

The Commission proposed changes to EU rules on funding to swiftly mobilise money for climate disaster recovery, and to ensure faster, more flexible post-disaster support across the EU.

EU support for 632 dismissed workers in Belgium (04/11/2024)

The Commission proposed €700,000 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support 632 workers laid off in Belgium’s Limburg province in the machinery and paper sectors. This funding aims to help these workers transition to new job opportunities in the region.

Helping Slovak workers transition from mining to new careers (31/10/2024)

As lignite mining ends in Slovakia’s Upper Nitra region, many workers face job loss and uncertainty. EU-backed initiatives are now helping these workers transition to new careers, offering support and training for a sustainable future.

Impact blueprint (31/10/2024)

Gender and work in the EU: Evolving Attitudes and Regional Differences (01/10/2024)

This paper explores gender attitudes toward work across the EU, revealing a complex landscape. While most EU citizens support gender equality in the labour market and households, attitudes differ widely by region and demographic factors.

European Care Strategy Conference (12/11/2024)

This conference will review progress made under the European Care Strategy and explore shared long-term care challenges.

Webinar: Understanding Special Cash Benefits (12/11/2024)

This event will explore the complex 30-year debate around Special Non-Contributory Cash Benefits, their non-exportability across Member States, and their role in EU social security coordination.

Conference on the Asbestos at Work Directive (28/11/2024)

This online conference will bring together leading experts from organisations dedicated to promoting workplace safety. Its goal is to facilitate the effective implementation of the recently revised Asbestos at Work Directive.

European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (28/11/2024)

The 2024 edition of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference will be held in Brussels on 28-29 November. This conference is part of the EU’s commitment to raise awareness and address the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Commissioners-designate 2024-2029 (03/10/2024)

Commissioners-designate 2024-2029

Boosting competitiveness, employment and growth through social investment (19/09/2024)

The 2024 Employment and Social Developments in Europe report shows that social investment yielded positive results boosting income, employment, and social inclusion, while reducing poverty and social gaps across the EU.

Sustainable lifestyles, fairness and access to clean energy technologies (03/10/2024)

The Commission´s 'Sustainable Lifestyles, Fairness, and Access to Clean Energy Technologies' campaign seeks to encourage participating countries and partners to collaborate and exchange successful policies that promote an inclusive clean energy transition.

New standard player contract adopted in Czechia (24/09/2024)

EU social partners in professional football, in collaboration with UEFA, reached a significant milestone for professional football players in Czechia. The new standard player contract recognises the minimum monthly wage of Czechia and ensures that players receive fair and adequate compensation.

Supporting dismissed workers in Belgium (16/09/2024)

The Commission proposed support for 365 workers dismissed in Belgium by the retail chain Match-Smatch with €2.7 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF).

Austria’s voucher system helps low-income families start the school year (03/10/2024)

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived supports an initiative in Austria which provides vouchers to students from low-income families to help them buy essential school supplies and ease the financial burden of starting a new school year.

Unlocking Europe's Potential: Investing in Skills (03/10/2024)

This report sheds light on how EU cohesion funds are being invested in skills to boost competitiveness and prosperity in Europe.

Economic inequalities in the EU - Key trends and policies (09/09/2024)

This paper reviews trends in income inequality in the EU over the last 15 years and presents a comprehensive framework to assess and monitor income inequalities and related key policy areas.

European Alliance for Apprenticeships Seminar for Partner Countries (17/10/2024)

This seminar will dive into innovative approaches to apprentice assessment and the growing importance of apprenticeships for adults and work-based learning.

European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (28/11/2024)

This conference is part of the EU’s wider efforts to raise awareness and tackle everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities. This year´s edition is taking place in Brussels on 28 and 29 November 2024.

Paris 2024: The Power of the Paralympics to challenge stereotypes (30/08/2024)

Apply for the Access City Award 2025 (30/08/2024)

The Access City Award recognizes EU cities that lead the way in making accessibility a priority for people with disabilities. Submit your online application by 10 September.

REGIOSTARS finalists announced, cast your vote! (30/08/2024)

The REGIOSTARS jury has chosen 25 finalists from a record 262 applications. This year, four outstanding ESF-funded projects are among the finalists. Vote for your favourite project until 9 October.

Latest update on national social protection systems (15/08/2024)

The updated database on social protection systems in all EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland is now live. This update includes revised data on minimum income and is available in English, French and German.

European Social Fund supports Ukrainians in finding jobs in Denmark (30/08/2024)

The EU-funded ‘Spacious Restart’ project has helped Ukrainian refugees integrate into the Danish labour market and develop their skills.

Empowering young people through voluntary military service (04/09/2024)

France's Voluntary Military Service helps young people facing employment challenges through military and professional training. Thanks to funding from the European Social Fund, it became a permanent programme.

A new approach to remote blood testing (04/09/2024)

The ESF-funded "Blood-it-yourself" project allows patients, especially the elderly and those in remote areas, to draw their own blood at home. This innovation makes blood testing more accessible and convenient.

European Social Fund report on 2022 achievements (30/08/2024)

This report outlines the fund's major achievements up to the end of 2022. Notably, 7.2 million people found jobs and 10.3 million gained qualifications through ESF-funded programs, another 3 million participated in ESF-supported education.

Bridging the gap for jobseekers with limited skills (30/08/2024)

A new analysis examines how public employment services can better support jobseekers with limited digital skills, focusing on people not in education, employment or training, as well as the long-term unemployed.

Forum on Vocational Excellence (10/09/2024)

This event will discuss critical issues for the world of work, like greening the economy, advancing digital transformation, integrating AI, and equitable societal transitions through vocational education and training.

WorldSkills Conference 2024 (11/09/2024)

Join this conference to tackle global challenges in skills development, demand, and excellence in vocational education and training.

EU Fundamental Rights for Cross-Border Workers (25/09/2024)

This seminar will review recent updates on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, focusing on its impact on freedom of movement and social security coordination.

Political Guidelines (24/07/2024)

Access City Award – apply by 10 September (28/06/2024)

The 2025 Access City Award competition is now open for applications. This award recognises cities that have excelled in becoming more accessible for persons with disabilities. This year, the Commission also intends to award an ‘Accessible Sports Infrastructure’ Special Mention to a city that demonstrates how they feature accessibility in their sports infrastructure.

Travelling this summer? Bring your European Health Insurance Card (17/06/2024)

Heading abroad for your holiday? Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card to be able to access medical services in Europe.

Accessible travel for the Paris 2024 Games (24/07/2024)

SNCF Voyageurs, an official supporter of Paris 2024, offers facilities for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility travelling by train within France or from abroad.

ESF investments create job opportunities for the Paris 2024 Games (05/08/2024)

The European Social Fund (ESF) has invested over €770,000 between 2019 and 2022 in career programmes across areas hosting the main venues and events for the 2024 Games.

Enhancing vocational education in Estonia (24/07/2024)

The latest story from the 20 Years Together campaign , celebrating the biggest EU enlargement, is about a programme for vocational education and training in Estonia. It incorporates practical training and real-world experience, including teacher education and work-based learning.

Fighting poverty and food waste: Luxembourg’s caddy workshop (24/07/2024)

The ESF+ 'Caddy' project repurposes discarded food to help feed poor people and to fight food waste and food insecurity while providing job opportunities for vocational reintegration.

Access City Award 2025: San Cristóbal de La Laguna – the 2024 winner (05/08/2024)

ERASMUS+ empowers young people with digital skills (05/07/2024)

A new report highlights 30 case studies that identify best practices for vocational training. It aims to guide and inspire policymakers, educators, and practitioners.

New evaluation on the Employment and Social Innovation Programme (06/08/2024)

This evaluation confirms that the Employment and Social Innovation Programme (EaSI) had a significant EU-wide impact. It provided resources and tools to improve social innovation and employment, and funded various activities such as databases, studies, and learning platforms.

Update of the Labour Market Model (23/07/2024)

The Labour Market Model initiative helps understand labour market policy impacts within the European Employment Strategy. It updates the existing model.