EURES (EURopean Employment Services) was launched in 1994 as European Employment Services, a network of public employment services in EU countries plus Switzerland, Iceland and Norway. Since 2021, it has been coordinated by the European Labour Office. The main task of EURES is to help job seekers, workers and employers in EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Iceland and Norway.   

How does it work?

EURES services for jobseekers and employers include:  

• matching job offers and resumes on the EURES portal,  

• providing information, advice and other forms of support to both employees and employers,  

• providing information on living and working conditions in EURES countries,  

• supporting cross-border workers and employers in border regions,   

• assisting through programs supporting professional mobility,   

• giving the opportunity to participate in European Labour Days (online),   

• providing information on available post-recruitment assistance, such as language courses and support for integration in the destination country.  

EURES network services for unemployed and job seekers are free, while those services for employers may be subject to a fee. 

Only certain institutions are authorized to offer services within the EURES network. These authorized entities include: 

• state job placement institutions, such as employment offices, 

• organizations that have received special accreditation in a country belonging to the European Union or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). 

In order to be allowed to provide EURES services, these organizations must meet specific requirements. Only after positive verification and obtaining the appropriate authorizations can they operate within the EURES network. 

EURES in cross-border regions 

EURES in cross-border regions operates in the form of cross-border partnerships. The cross-border partnerships share information and offer guidance for job seekers and employers on working and recruiting across borders. EURES cross-border partnerships offer job placement opportunities as well as both pre- and post-recruitment services. Experts within teams are available to answer any questions and are able to assist the workers through every phase of their career.  

In addition, EURES cross-border partnerships monitor the workers’ movement across borders and job markets in order to pinpoint the difficulties that could disrupt the free movement of workers within the cross-border job market. Companies that are trying to expand into foreign markets might want to get advice on HR and payroll to ensure compliance with regulations. 

EURES in Poland 

The Public Employment Services in Poland have been a member of the European EURES network since Poland joined the European Union. The EURES network’s activities in each EU/EFTA nation are managed by National Coordination Offices. In Poland, the National Coordination Office is managed by the Department of Labour Market in the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.   

In Poland, services within the EURES network are provided by:  

• Provincial labour offices, 

• District labour offices,  

• Provincial headquarters of the Voluntary Labour Corps,  

• Entities accredited by the Minister of Family and Social Policy, 

• Youth education and work centers of the Voluntary Labour Corps.

EURES experts, both advisors and assistants, operate throughout the country. Their work brings results, that can be seen in various initiatives organized in Poland. Among the most important of these are:  

• information meetings for interested parties
• days dedicated to individual counseling
• fairs and job fairs

Participants can take part in direct recruitment meetings, during which employers from abroad conduct interviews with candidates. 

The Life and Work section of the EURES website offers useful information on finding and applying for jobs. A job seeker can create a resume and post it on the EURES site. This will make it easier for employers looking for employees to access candidates’ resumes.  

EURES offers comprehensive information on aspects of life and work, including political, administrative and legal systems; income and taxes; cost of living; housing; health care; education; cultural and private life; and transportation options. On its website, EURES has provided various details about working conditions, such as types of employment contracts, self-employment opportunities, wages, vacation entitlements, termination procedures, training or other educational opportunities. 

EURES is a beneficial tool for both jobseekers and employers, making it easier to find opportunities and connect with talent across Europe.