EPP Employment and Social Affairs Ministers gathered this morning in Luxembourg ahead of the EPSCO Council, in a meeting chaired by Karien van GENNIP, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment of the Netherlands. Ministers shared the priorities that they believed should be promoted by the EPP, ahead of the 2024 European elections, and so as to form an input for the next European Commission’s mandate. Specifically, Ministers emphasized various topics that will require more action, including those related to demographic challenges, and their impact on healthcare systems and the labor market. They also insisted that social cohesion, in particular poverty and growing inequalities should be addressed, including by strengthening policies that support families and children. Ministers raised concerns regarding inter- and intra-migration flows within Europe. Last but not least, they called for a greater focus on the future of work, including life-long learning and mental health issues. Ukraine and the war will and should remain a key priority, especially as it relates to and impacts the aforementioned challenges. Other topics that Ministers also wish to see included on the EU and the EPP social agenda were climate justice regarding green and energy policies, and better evidence-based decision-making through the more efficient use, collection, and sharing of data for social policies. An exchange followed about the progress of the EU Platform Workers Directive. Ministers agreed that it would be essential to agree to a compromise at this week’s EU Council. Finally, participants discussed the European Semester’s social policies guidelines.


Read more

For more information contact:

 

Alexandra Henman

Deputy Spokesperson

+32 471 90 76 84

alh@epp.eu

 

Angelos Athanasopoulos

National and Regional Press Director

+32 471 90 76 35

aa@epp.eu