European labour markets, despite demonstrating resilience amid recent crises, now face mounting pressure such as labour and skills shortages. As Europe works to meet its 2050 climate neutrality targets and adapt to new technologies, addressing these challenges has become a necessity.

In that spirit, the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES) has put forward a Memorandum outlining key proposals to tackle these challenges effectively and calling the next EU leadership into action.

‘Public Employment Services’ daily experience supporting jobseekers and employers has shown that without adequate policies and investments to manage the triple – green, demographic and digital – transitions, Europe’s labour markets could face more shortages and unemployment,’ said the Chair of the PES Network Caroline Mancel.

The proposals

Skills and labour shortages: Key recommendations include declaring a European Decade of Skills to foster collaboration between education and labour market actors, enhancing the collection and analysis of labour market intelligence, and in line with the European Pillar of Social rights principle to give everyone the right to quality and inclusive education, training, and life-long learning, further exploring the opportunity of a 'right to training for all' to address disparities in access to training and decent jobs. Additionally, the PES Network underscores the significance of supporting PES’ involvement in recruitment of third country nationals.

Leveraging EU instruments: The memorandum highlights the necessity of using EU instruments to manage the triple transitions (green, demographic, and digital) in a fair and equitable manner. This will require a strong commitment to employment and skills in future multi-annual financial frameworks.

Harnessing data and technology: In line with advancing technologies, the PES Network advocates for setting common European standards on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in labour market contexts. Furthermore, it proposes the establishment of an open-source digital space to facilitate collaboration among PES and other stakeholders. Together, they can develop digital tools and enhance applied research to promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market.

The PES Network’s future role

Looking ahead, the PES Network reaffirms its commitment to implementing EU employment policies and enhancing cooperation between PES, EU institutions, and relevant stakeholders.

Recognising the increasing interconnectedness of labour market challenges with other policy domains, the PES Network emphasises the importance of continued collaboration and research to address complex issues effectively.

Key proposals of the PES Network Memorandum will be presented during the High-Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights on 15-16 April 2024 in La Hulpe, under the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Click here to read the full memorandum.