The European Commission has proposed to extend until 2027 the duration of the EU Decision establishing the Network of Public Employment Services (PES).

This proposal builds upon the positive achievements of the Network and answers the needs and strong support of the Network stakeholders to continue this valuable cooperation beyond 2020.

Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour mobility declared: “The EU PES Network is a successful example of European collaboration at its best. I am convinced this EU cooperation and exchange of best practices and mutual learning will be all the more important in the future to tackle the challenges of the future of work. We need to draw from the best experiences in addressing the skills gap, working closely with employers and supporting the youth. In all this, the consultation of and input from the PES to the EU policy making will be more valuable than ever!”

An evaluation was carried out to assess the state of play and degree of implementation of the EU Decision establishing the PES Network and identify some lessons learned for the future. The findings show that the PES Network has been successful and effective in delivering on its objectives. 

The proposal adopted by the Commission is therefore aimed at extending the EU Decision up to 2027, thereby allowing for a continuation of the existing cooperation framework and initiatives.

Background on the Public Employment Services Network

Decision 573/2014/EU established the network of Public Employment Services for the period from June 2014 to 31 December 2020. The European Network of Public Employment Services (PES) brings together the PES of all EU Member States, Norway and Iceland and the European Commission.

The Network promotes cooperation amongst PES, and helps them boost their performance and prepare for future labour market challenges. It implements an EU-wide benchlearning initiative (combining benchmarking and mutual learning), aimed at reinforcing PES capacity, effectiveness and efficiency.

The Network contributes to the European Employment Strategy to create more and better jobs throughout the EU, as an integral part of the Europe 2020 growth strategy. It also contributes to the Employment Guidelines and the relevant Country Specific Recommendations issued under the European Semester. Through its objectives, it also supports the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular its principle 4 on active support to employment.