On Wednesday, the European Parliament approved the informal agreement on the enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES) across the EU with 627 votes in favour, 28 against and 31 abstentions.
This vote extends the Network’s mandate until 31 December 2027, while also compelling the Commission to submit an evaluation report by the end of September 2026 to assess the Network’s achievements.
PES are the main agencies that execute employment policies supporting jobseekers to integrate into the labour market. They help match supply with demand in the labour market through information, placement, and active support services at local, national, and European levels.
MEPs call for a more resilient Network, capable of modernising and strengthening national PES by making them use public funds more effectively and more efficiently. Network members need to develop joint initiatives, which would also facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, MEPs stress.
Although European Union financial support for the Network should continue in accordance with the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, Parliament suggests funding PES at national level as well. Member states are now encouraged to provide PES with the necessary financial and human resources to address challenges such as the digitalisation of the economy and changing work patterns.
MEPs emphasise that the Network’s approach must be all-inclusive, linking its objectives with the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, a socially-just transition to a green economy, and meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
EU-wide collaboration between PES started in 1997 and, in 2014, the European Network of Public Employment Services (“the Network”) was formally established, with a mandate running until 31 December 2020. The Network is now part of the EU’s employment policy framework.
