This is an engaging study that makes compelling claims about the difficulties faced by public services, drawing upon a well-researched case study on PES. A detailed analysis of PES in each of the Member States is rightly avoided as too ambitious a project. The focus on trends enables the authors to extrapolate conclusions for reflecting on public services... The current political relevance of PES makes the study a revealing read for anyone with an interest in the regulatory vicissitudes facing public services in general; it is an essential read for those working in the area of PES and the European Employment Strategy in particular.