Spiros Protopsaltis elected new Chair of the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES Network)

During the 23rd Board Meeting of the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES Network), held on June 5–6, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland, the Governor of the Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA), Spiros Protopsaltis, was elected Chair of the PES Network.

This marks the first time a Greek Head of PES has assumed the role of the PES Network Chair, a distinction that constitutes a great honour for both DYPA and Greece.

The PES Network is an institutional European cooperation mechanism bringing together the Public Employment Services of the EU member states, the European Commission, and the countries of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). In total, the Network comprises 31 members, including the 27 EU member states, the 3 EEA countries, and the European Commission.

Established in 2014 following a Decision (amended in 2020) by the European Parliament and the Council, the PES Network aims to maximise the efficiency of Public Employment Services (PES). It serves as a platform aimed at fostering cooperation and exchanging best practices, promoting employment and enhanced services for both citizens and businesses. Its core objectives include the continuous improvement of services and mutual learning through the exchange of expertise and best practices, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the implementation of the European Employment Strategy. The Network is supported by the European Commission.

Mr. Protopsaltis’s election as PES Network Chair recognises Greece's significant progress in reducing unemployment —by 54% over the past five years, the largest decrease recently recorded in Europe—, as well as DYPA’s substantial transformation and Greece’s active role in shaping European labour market policy.

Statement by Spiros Protopsaltis:

“I am greatly honoured to have been elected Chair of the PES Network, and I warmly thank the members of the Board for their trust. Having recently made significant progress, the Greek PES, DYPA, now provides modern, high-quality, and effective services to both citizens and businesses.

As Chair, my goal is to help further strengthen cooperation amongst the European PES, leverage innovation and digitalisation, and exchange significant solutions to address the major challenges of our time—such as the green transition, digital transformation and inclusion in a constantly evolving labour market.

Indeed, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind and to strengthen social cohesion as we navigate the triple (green, digital and demographic) transition.”

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