Interreg

An integrated cross-border labour market is of particular importance for stimulating economic growth in border areas. Hereby, providing information to employers and employees plays a key role. Main obstacles to labour mobility are insufficient language skills and differences in social security and taxation systems, as well as the lack of information. In order to improve the provision of information a network of border info points – the GrenzInfoPunkte (GIPs) – has been established along the German-Dutch-Belgian border area in the years 2015 – 2017. With their broad expertise, the GIPs support employers and employees with individual questions concerning employment, job search and application procedures in a cross-border context. The project GIP Extra ERW aims to further develop and improve the services of the GIPs in the Euregio Rhine-Waal (ERW). In doing so, the so-called „click-call-connect“-principle shall be followed, meaning that clients should receive advice digitally, by phone or within a group presentation before a face-to-face consultation takes place. Considering the current economic trends, the services should pay more attention to providing information and supporting employers. Following the implementation phase, the network of GIPs should be further developed from 2020 on, specifically with regard to quality assurance and the intensification of cooperation, e.g. in the field of communication. On regional level the GIP ERW will organise expert sessions for the most relevant labour market stakeholders. These sessions aim to share existing knowledge across the border, to generate new knowledge and to coordinate the exchange of information. Specific focus will be put on the exchange of information on the contents of education and the recognition of diplomas and qualifications. Also, the cooperation with other stakeholders and INTERREG projects will be coordinated within the expert groups.