Brussels, Belgium - The Stakeholder Conference 'Rethinking support for those furthest from the labour market' organised by the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES) was held in Brussels, Belgium on 5 November 2024. It was the first mutual learning event to which representatives of the Western Balkan (WB) PESs were officially invited by their European peers as a part of the initiative for increased involvement of the WB PES in the work of the EU PES Network, supported by the Employment and Social Affairs Platform 3 (ESAP 3) project of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

The Conference intended primarily for PES as well as social partners, private employment services (PrES) and employers, NGOs, training providers and international organisations explored new and effective approaches for re‑integrating jobseekers furthest from the labour market. These jobseekers have different needs, sometimes multiple and complex, and have different degrees of vulnerability in the labour market.

WB PES representatives actively participated in the four thematic workshops (outreach and support; lifelong career guidance; cooperation with private employment services; and evidence‑based services for those furthest from the labour market) and just as many collaborative workshops (strategies to support the (re)integration of older workers; partnerships to support women in vulnerable situations and caregivers, support to persons with disabilities; and sustainable integration of NEETs into the labour market). These workshops provided ample opportunities for the region’s PES representatives to compare their practices with those of their European colleagues, discuss options and explore possibilities as well as exchange best practices in the domain of active measures targeting vulnerable categories of population aimed at their inclusion into labour market.

Encouraged networking, cooperation and discussions among and between PES and their partners resulted in key takeaways from the Conference, led by the closing Conference motto – “Alone we go fast, together we go far”. Specific points that we reiterated during the discussions leading to the ultimate goal of everyone reaching their full potential, included the following: person-centric and multidisciplinary approach as a preferred approach since one solution does not fit all from the categories distanced from the labour market; collaboration over competition as desirable relationship between PES and PrESs; technology as a tool to bridge the gaps; inclusion of vulnerable groups accompanies by economic competitiveness; leadership with a vision for sustainable jobs of tomorrow; mutual trust and communication among all the actors; and continuous awareness raising. 

The WB PES delegation was welcomed to the event by Chairwoman of the European PES Network Ms. Caroline Mancel, who conveyed agreement of all EU PES heads to enhance involvement of the region’s PESs into their work, offering support in their enlargement efforts.