L5/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 10.1.2003 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 23 December 2002 implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment (notified under document number C(2002) 5236) (Text with EEA relevance) (2003/8/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community ('), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2434/92 (%), and in particular Article 44 thereof, Whereas: (1) Much progress has been made since the initial launch of the European Employment Services network (EURES) established by Commission Decision 93/569/EEC (), in order to implement Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/ 68. 2)  In the light of the experience gained since 1993, and taking into account and consolidating recent develop- ments in the EURES environment, the network should now be reinforced and fully integrated into the activities of employment services of the Member States. The current division of responsibilities and the decision- making procedures should be redesigned. (3)  With a view to the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union, full account should be taken of the implementation of EURES in the acceding countries while ensuring that the system remains efficient and manageable. (4)  The opportunities afforded by the emerging information and communication technology tools for further enhan- cing and rationalising the services provided should also be taken into account. OJ L 257, 19.10.1968, p. 2. () OJ L 245, 26.8.1992, p. 1. O] L 274, 22.10.1993, p. 32. (5)  To this end, EURES should be consolidated and strength- ened as a key tool for the monitoring of mobility, for the support of the free movement of workers and the integration of the European labour markets, and for informing citizens about the relevant Community legisla- tion. (6)  There is a need to underpin occupational and geographic mobility in line with the European Employment Strategy, in the interests of implementing the Action Plan for skills and mobility (*) and the Council Resolu- tion of 3 June 2002 on the same issue (). (7)  For the sake of clarity, it is advisable to re-establish the European Employment Services network whilst defining more precisely its composition, constitution and func- tions. This operation will entail the replacement of Deci- sion 93/569/EEC. (8)  The measures provided for in this Decision are in accor- dance with the opinion of the Technical Committee on freedom of movement for workers, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atrticle 1 The EURES network The Commission, the employment services of the Member States and any further national partners which they may have, shall create a European network of services, designated EURES (EURopean Employment Services) responsible for developing the exchange of information and cooperation provided for in Part I of Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68. () COM(2002) 72 final of 13.2.2002. () 0] C 162, 6.7.2002, p. 1.