SOCIEUX+ launches new, four-year work phase

The support of equitable social protection systems and employment policies remains a key area for European international and development cooperation, and has gained even greater relevance in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. SOCIEUX+ EU expertise on social protection, labour and employment, is proud to announce the renewal of European commitment to a new four-year phase of work.

The first meeting of the new work phase was held in Brussels on 23th September, 2020, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, Expertise France (the lead agency), BELINCOSOC (Belgian International Cooperation on Social Protection), the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) and Enabel (the Belgian development agency). Representatives from the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) and the State Public Employment Service in France (Pôle Emploi) also attended this kick-off meeting.

During the meeting, the SOCIEUX+ team presented the results from the 2016-2020 phase. During this time, 145 partnership requests were received from 44 countries, leading to 275 activities with 87 institutions and the mobilisation of 246 experts.

The response developed by SOCIEUX+ in response to the COVID-19 crisis was also recognised during the meeting. These included the launch of new modalities for cooperation activities, the use of new platforms for remote cooperation, and the new focus on remote activities to improve the COVID-19 response to social protection, labour and employment services and policies.

Feedback gathered from partner institutions, experts, and participants was also presented. From a total of 98 activities examined, 97.2% of partner institutions reported that they would recommend SOCIEUX+ to other institutions, and 100% of respondents reported that they were considering future collaborations with the Facility.

About SOCIEUX+

SOCIEUX+ EU expertise on social protection, labour and employment, is a facility for technical cooperation between public and social institutional peers, established and co-funded by the European Union, France, Belgium, and Spain. Based on the peer exchange model, SOCIEUX+ shares knowledge and experiences through short-term missions and activities.

SOCIEUX+ is implemented by a partnership led by Expertise France, BELINCOSOC (Belgian International Cooperation on Social Protection), the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel).