PURPOSE: to extend the Union-wide network of Public Employment Services (PES) until 31 December 2027.
PROPOSED ACT: Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council.
ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council.
BACKGROUND: Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and the Council establishes the European Network of Public Employment Services (the Network) from 17 June 2014 until 31 December 2020.
The Network aims at reinforcing Public Employment Services (PES) capacity, effectiveness and efficiency through providing a platform for comparing their performance at European level, identifying good practices and establishing a mutual learning system. It also aims at giving the PES more opportunities to help develop innovative, evidence-based policies in line with relevant Union policy initiatives.
The Network has been key in encouraging further cooperation between the Member States within the areas of PES responsibility as well as contributing to the modernisation and strengthening of the PES. An evaluation of the state of implementation of Decision No 573/2014/EU shows that the Network has had a positive impact and identifies lessons learned on the basis of the different activities and experiences.
Therefore, in order to capitalise on the results achieved so far and further foster cooperation between PES, the period of establishment of the Network should be prolonged until 31 December 2027.
CONTENT: this proposal aims at continuing to reinforce PES capacity, effectiveness and efficiency through providing a platform for comparing their performance at European level, identifying good practices and developing a mutual learning system. It also aims at giving the PES more opportunities to help develop innovative, evidence-based policies.
The objective of the proposal amending Decision No 573/2014/EU is therefore to build upon the positive achievement of the Network demonstrated in the findings of this evaluation while answering the needs and strong support of the Network stakeholders to continue implementing this valuable cooperation beyond 2020. It thereby aims to extend the period of establishment of the Network until 31 December 2027.
The continuation of the Network should support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which includes the provision of active support to employment among its principles. It should also contribute to sustainable development goal 8 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
Enhanced cooperation
The Network shall develop cooperation with relevant labour market stakeholders including other providers of employment services, and where appropriate, EU Agencies in the area of employment, social policy and education and training, social partners, organisations representing unemployed persons or vulnerable groups, NGOs working in the field of employment, and regional and local authorities, by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the Network and by exchanging information and data with them.
Financial support
The global resources for the implementation of this Decision shall be made available in accordance with the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 as appropriate, the annual appropriations of which shall be authorised by the European Parliament and by the Council within the limits of the financial framework.
Review and application
By September 2026, the Commission shall submit an evaluation on the application of this Decision. In order to ensure a seamless continuation of the activities of the Network, this Decision should apply from 1 January 2021.