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In 1998, the Amsterdam treaty mentioned the promotion of employment as one of the main Community objectives. It was set out in a strategy consisting of the four thematic priorities (or 'pillars') of employability, entrepreneurship, adaptability and equal opportunities, and described in the Employment Guidelines.

Every year, these Employment Guidelines are translated into National Action Plans for Employment (NAPs) by Member States. These are analysed by the Commission and the Council, and the results are presented in a Joint Employment Report. The findings of these Joint Employment Reports can reshape the Guidelines and country-specific recommendations for Member States' employment policies.

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/employment_strategy/index_en.htm