The PES Network has released its latest Annual Report and 2025-2026 Work Programme, reflecting on achievements in 2024 and setting priorities for the years ahead. As the Network celebrated its 10th anniversary, it remained focused on green, digital, and demographic transitions, strengthening cooperation, and advancing labour market support.
Highlights from 2024
- European Decade of Skills – A call for a skills-first approach in recruitment, outlined in the PES Network Memorandum to EU leadership.
- Green jobs & labour market insights – New resources and common standards for measuring labour shortages.
- Digital transformation – Continued progress in AI and digitalisation through the Digitalisation Working Group.
- Stronger partnerships – Expanded collaboration with enlargement countries and mutual assistance for Luxembourg and Romania.
- 4th Benchlearning cycle – Assessments across 15 PES and a special PESPod anniversary edition featuring Network leaders.
Key Priorities for 2025-2026
- Skills-first approaches & career guidance – A Thematic Review Workshop and study to support upskilling.
- AI & digitalisation – Ethical AI use and digital transformation remain key discussion points.
- Private employment services – The 2025 Annual Conference will focus on cooperation in this sector.
- Benchlearning cycle – The cycle concludes in 2025 with 16 site visits planned.