Becoming better PES together: PES Network presents its latest Annual Report and 2025-2026 Work Programme

Last year marked a key milestone for the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES Network) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. One decade on, the Network remains committed to growth and forward-thinking initiatives. In this spirit, its latest Annual Report and 2025-2026 Work Programme detail areas of progress and future priorities.

Taking stock of 2024

The Network’s latest annual report provides a snapshot of all activities delivered in 2024, as the PES Network focused on harnessing the potential of the green, digital and demographic transitions.  In April, the PES Network released its Memorandum to the next EU leadership presenting 10 proposals to support PES amid changing labour markets. Among these was a call for a “European Decade of Skills”, focusing on a “skills-first” approach to recruitment. 

Throughout 2024, the PES Network developed resources to support green jobs and establish common standards for measuring labour shortages. The Digitalisation Working Group continued to share advances in digitalisation and use of AI within PES. The Annual Conference on ‘Rethinking support to those furthest from the labour market’ highlighted the importance of multi-lateral cooperation and holistic support to integrate vulnerable jobseekers into the labour market. The Network also took new steps to strengthen cooperation with enlargement countries. 

The 4^th Benchlearning cycle was launched, with assessments held across 15 PES, and two mutual assistance programmes supported the PES of Luxembourg and Romania. The year ended with a special PESPod anniversary edition , featuring past and present chairs of the PES Network. 

Key themes for 2025-2026

The 2025-2026 Work Programme builds on 2024's thematic priorities by deepening discussions and exchanges on skills first approaches and career guidance with a Thematic Review Workshop and study, emphasising digitalisation and the ethical use of AI via two Working Groups, as well as cooperation with private employment services (which will be the main topic of the Network’s 2025 annual conference). This year will also mark the conclusion of the 4th Benchlearning cycle, with 16 site visits expected across 2025. 

Find out more

Want to learn more? Read the full Annual Report and the Work Programme.

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