Working in Europe offers countless benefits, from cultural enrichment to professional growth, including expanding your network and developing new skills. And the big advantage for the Portuguese is that the free movement of labor in the European Union (EU) allows citizens to take advantage of these opportunities in a more affordable and secure way.
EURES is a collaborative network of employment services covering 31 countries, including the 27 EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Since 1994, EURES’ mission has been to promote labor mobility to ensure that all European citizens enjoy the same opportunities by mitigating language, cultural and bureaucratic barriers and helping to recognize professional qualifications.
Over three decades, EURES has helped millions of workers find work abroad and thousands of employers recruit talent from across Europe. Between 2020 and 2022 alone, EURES facilitated contacts between 5.5 million workers and almost 400,000 employers.
How it works
1. Support and information network
In Portugal, EURES is integrated into public employment services: the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) on the mainland, the Madeira Employment Institute and the Regional Directorate of Vocational Qualifications and Employment in the Azores. In addition, it cooperates with business and trade union associations, universities and other institutions, especially in areas bordering Spain.
2. Job Portal
The EURES portal (eures.europa.eu) provides more than 3 million job and internship offers every day in various professional fields and skill levels in more than 30 different countries. This portal is an important tool for both job seekers and employers.
3. EURES Advisors
With around 1,000 consultants specialized in transnational mobility and recruitment, including 32 consultants in Portugal, EURES offers personalized advice services, helping candidates understand the opportunities and challenges of working abroad.
4. Information and recruiting events
On the European Job Days platform (europeanjobdays.eu), the network organizes around 40 recruitment events per year, targeting specific industries or countries. The next events will be dedicated to Denmark, Finland and Italy. These events provide opportunities for candidates and employers to connect directly. In addition to these events, EURES Portugal hosts informative webinars on employment opportunities, living and working conditions in other countries – with webinars planned for this year in Malta (27 June), Luxembourg and Spain.
Recruitment events organized by Portugal
• Work in Portugal: takes place in the autumn (in 2024 it will take place on 26 and 27 November) and focuses on the recruitment needs of national employers, with representatives from various sectors and professional areas. This event usually involves the collaboration of several partner organizations that promote easier integration of European workers in Portugal.
• Seize the Summer with EURES: Held in the spring, this is an online event focusing on seasonal employment opportunities in the tourism, hotel and restaurant sectors, bringing together more than 10 countries with recruiting needs in these areas.
To follow this activity, follow social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) or regularly visit the website iefp.pt/eures.
How to benefit from EURES
For employees:
Creating a EURES profile is the first step to exploring millions of jobs that match your skills. In addition, EURES offers:
1. Information and advice on mobility issues – employment opportunities, living and working conditions, recognition of qualifications, rights and responsibilities of mobile workers.
2. Employment Services – assistance with the job search and application process.
3. Financial support – assistance in participating in interviews, moving expenses, language courses, etc.
For business:
Portuguese companies can use EURES to recruit European talent. The process includes:
1. Publication of vacancies – distribution on the EURES portal to a wide audience.
2. Search for candidates – access to a database containing more than 1 million resumes.
3. Recruiting events – participation in specialized events, both in person and online.
Financial support available
The EURES targeted mobility program provides support that covers candidate costs such as participation in interviews (in other countries), relocation, language training, qualification recognition, family reunification or other special needs. For employers, programs to finance the integration of new employees may include on-the-job training or language courses.
Border Services
In the border regions between Portugal and Spain, EURES offers specialized services for workers and companies operating in these regions. These services are critical to facilitating mobility and resolving legal and administrative issues arising in a cross-border context. Partnerships in the border regions of northern Portugal (Galicia), Alentejo (Extremadura) and Algarve (Andalusia) represent added value, especially for companies and workers relocating to the Iberian market.
The EURES network is a vital bridge for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and explore employment and recruitment opportunities in Europe. With an extensive support network, detailed information and accessible resources, EURES promotes the free movement of workers and helps build successful international careers. All information can be found on the EURES portal. Follow activities in Portugal and contact services here.
Source: CM Jornal
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.