On February 25th, 2026, an amendment to the agreement of November 10, 2023 [1], concerning unemployment insurance, was concluded between the social partners.

Since 2018, the scope of negotiations between the social partners has been limited by the government's framework letter, which defines the limits and objectives of the discussion.

If the negotiations fail, the government is free to impose a reform by decree.

Therefore, this negotiation represents a significant issue for all the social partners.

In this instance, on November 29, 2025, the government withdrew the framework letter, on the condition that the new negotiated measures result in savings of €400 million per year for the unemployment insurance system (Government letter to social partners, November 29, 2025).

According to the National Assembly's agenda, the bill transposing Amendment No. 3 of February 25, 2026, to the Memorandum of Understanding of November 10, 2023, concerning unemployment insurance will be examined in its first reading by members of parliament on April 16, 2026. The executive branch is considering the entry into force of these new provisions as early as September 2026. (Ministry impact assessment submitted to social partners)

The four key changes in this agreement are:

• A reduction in the duration of unemployment benefits following a negotiated termination agreement (RCI);

• The implementation of specific support by France Travail;

• A potential extension of unemployment benefit entitlements for beneficiaries aged 55 and over;

• An incentive to review the compensation arrangements for cross-border workers.

1) Individual Voluntary Termination Agreement: a reduction in the maximum duration of entitlement to compensation.

The amendment of February 25, 2026, to the agreement of November 10, 2023, sets the maximum duration of entitlement to compensation at:

• 15 months for beneficiaries under 55 years of age, compared to 18 months under the standard scheme;

• 20.5 months for beneficiaries aged 55 and over, compared to 22.5 months for those aged 55 to 56 and 27 months for those aged 57 and over.

Furthermore, for benefit recipients residing in overseas territories, excluding Mayotte, this period is set at:

• 20 months for recipients under 55 years of age;

• 30 months for recipients aged 55 and over.

However, the social partners have planned to open new negotiations to adjust these maximum periods should the unemployment rate reach or exceed 9% or increase by at least 0.8 percentage points over a six-month period.

(Article 1 of Amendment No. 3 of February 25, 2026, to the Memorandum of Understanding of November 10, 2023, concerning unemployment insurance)

2) Personalized support measures for benefit recipients who have signed a Job Search Integration Contract (RCI) = verification of job search efforts.

As part of the amendment, France Travail will implement specific support to facilitate the return to employment for benefit recipients who have signed a Job Search Integration Contract (RCI).

In addition to the general provisions relating to the commitment contract, specific measures for these benefit recipients have been negotiated.

During the first appointment with France Travail, personalized and intensive support will help benefit recipients define and implement a career plan according to specific guidelines approved by the board of directors.

During the 12th month of benefits, a formal review is scheduled to verify the job seeker's progress in pursuing their career plan. (Article 1 of Amendment No. 3 of February 25, 2026, to the Memorandum of Understanding of November 10, 2023, concerning unemployment insurance)

3) A possible extension of benefits may be requested by beneficiaries aged 55 and over, with the possibility of appeal.

During this formal review, an extension of the duration of entitlement to compensation may be requested by the beneficiary.

Recipients may, in fact, request the application of the maximum duration provided for by the general rules, subject to an assessment of their application by France Travail.

In case of refusal, the amendment provides for the possibility of appeal to the competent regional or territorial joint body to request a new analysis of their application.

(Article 1 of Amendment No. 3 of February 25, 2026, to the Memorandum of Understanding of November 10, 2023, concerning unemployment insurance)

4) An invitation to develop compensation for cross-border workers.

Furthermore, the social partners call on the public authorities to initiate discussions to amend European Regulation No. 883/2004 so that, for cross-border workers, after a certain period of employment, the country of employment assumes responsibility for unemployment benefits.

(Article 2 of Amendment No. 3 of February 25, 2026, to the Memorandum of Understanding of November 10, 2023, concerning unemployment insurance)

Bibliography.

Avenant n°3 du 25 février 2026 au protocole d’accord du 10 novembre 2023 relatif à l’assurance chômage [2]
Courrier du gouvernement adressé aux partenaires sociaux le 29 novembre 2025 [3]
Etude d’impact du ministère transmise aux partenaires sociaux [4]
Salariés, cadres, cadres dirigeants : combien négocier sa rupture conventionnelle après les ordonnances Macron ?.

Frédéric CHHUM avocat et ancien membre du conseil de l’ordre des avocats de Paris (mandat 2019-2021)

CHHUM AVOCATS (Paris, Nantes, Lille)

e-mail: chhum@chhum-avocats.com

www.chhum-avocats.fr

https://www.instagram.com/fredericchhum/?hl=fr

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