Practical handbook on developing local employment strategies in new member states and candidate countries of the European Union

In November 2001 the European Commission adopted a Communication [COM (2001) 629] on the local dimension of the European Employment Strategy (EES), suggesting ways to help local actors play their full part in the EES, in cooperation with national authorities and Community institutions. A particular focus for the Commission has been to play a supportive role, and in line with that strategy the Commission has now published a series of handbooks for local actors. They provide a practical tool indicating the best approaches for designing, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating successful local employment development strategies and activities. The key principles are presented, documented with examples and a list of useful contacts.