This article analyses the role of the OECD through its “Jobs Strategy” and the EU through the “European Employment Strategy” in the development of macro-economic, employment and labour market policy in the Czech Republic. As a full member of the two organisations, the Czech Republic has been subject to their soft non-binding policy advice in the area of labour market reform. The OECD and EU policy models are similar, both insisting on growth-oriented macro-economic policy, supported by active labour market policies, an active and effective public employment service and the de-regulation of labour markets, but the OECD actively advocates private actor involvement in labour markets, while the EU insists on the role of the public sector. The The public employment service – key for both organisations – has been developed institutionally to fit both models. However, the effect is weak since activation, shifts in expenditure from passive to active labour market policy, training and placement of the PES has not changed substantially since the Czech Republic became member of the EU, suggesting the real impact of the OECD and also the EU, even when accompanied by the ESF, is weak. only subscribers can see the full article