This meeting kicked off the activities of a new PES Network Working Group (WG), whose aim is to draft an updated PES Network strategy.

The update of the strategy is both relevant and timely in view of the November 2020 EU Decision 2020/1782, amending and reviewing the Network’s mandate.

WG members discussed questions around:

• current and future labour market developments;
• the role of the Network in addressing challenges;
• PES capacities to fulfil current and upcoming tasks;
• expectations from political decision makers, jobseekers, and employers;
• potential roles of PES partners.

The WG expects to submit its updated PES Network strategy to the Board in June 2021.

The WG meeting brought together Public Employment Service (PES) representatives from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. It was chaired by the Austrian PES (AMS).

Next meetings

Second WG meeting: 14 April 2021

Third WG meeting: May 2021