Brussels, Belgium – The PES Network Stakeholder Annual Conference: Partnerships in shaping and delivering employment services, organized by European Network of Public Employment Services (PES) was held in Brussels, Belgium on 21 October, 2025. This is the second time that representatives of the PES from the Western Balkan Six have attended the Conference, supported by the Employment and Social Affairs Platform 3 (ESAP 3) project of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

The Conference was dedicated to partnerships in creating and delivering employment services, in light of green, digital and demographic transitions that require additional resources if the European Union (EU) labour markets are to leave no one behind, address skills mismatches, and close skills gaps. The event was opened by Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission and Inga Balnanosienė, the Vice-Chair of the PES Network. Mario Nava acknowledged the presence and role of EU-accession candidates, and their efforts in the process of joining the EU.

WB6 PES representatives took part in four thematic workshops (Matching, vacancy and data sharing: using advanced technology, ensuring quality; Cooperation with the third sector and innovation; Contracting out services and outcome-based payments: lessons learnt and way forward; Partnerships in scaling up training provision) and four collaborative workshops (Holistic approaches supporting vulnerable groups; Supporting intra-EU labour mobility and labour migration; Recruitment in the digital age: Cooperating with social networks and online job search platforms to support jobseekers; Supporting employers in targeting in-demand jobs and addressing skills gaps).

The EU PES Network hosts welcomed delegations from WB6 PESs, who also has an opportunity to take part in informal conversations with their European counterparts.