The third meeting of this PES Network Working Group (WG) was again held online, hosted by the Austrian PES (AMS). Participants discussed in detail an internal briefing paper and future output paper on the PES role in modernising the labour market and managing structural change.

Participants reflected on the increased relevance of this Working Group given the resurgence of COVID-19 in Europe. They then discussed the draft Background Paper drafted by Thematic Expert Nicola Duell as well as the draft Considerations Paper prepared by Julian Hiebl (AMS).

Participants in particular focused on the key considerations set out in the draft output paper, showing broad agreement with their coverage and relevance, but also adding further elements to be taken into account.

The meeting agreed that there would be six topics promoted in the updated Considerations Paper, which will be presented to the PES Network Board in December 2020. Keep an eye out for the final messages from this WG towards the end of the year!

The event followed on from the second WG meeting of 9 October 2020. WG members include PES from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden.