The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU has made it a priority in the social field to come to a political agreement in principle (general approach), with the “widest possible” support among Member States, on the European framework for an EU minimum wage, if its programme for the next 6 months is to be believed.
The project of a European framework establishing a minimum wage was delayed due to a request for the opinion of the Council Legal Service on the legal basis proposed by the European Commission—a positive opinion that confirmed the legal basis of the draft legislation (see EUROPE 12675/13).
Since then, the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU has charged headlong into negotiations and presented an initial compromise text, suggesting an agreement under the Slovenian Presidency (see EUROPE 12753/5).
Another pending priority dossier is the regulation on the coordination of social security systems. Here, the Presidency wishes to resume interinstitutional negotiations and reach an agreement with the European Parliament on this dossier, which currently remains stuck on the issue of prior notification before a worker is sent to a foreign country (see EUROPE 12748/10).
Unsurprisingly, following the Porto Social Summit (see EUROPE 12716/3), the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights is high on Slovenia’s list of priorities in the social field. In connection with the pillar, the Presidency indicates that it will pay particular attention to the issue of demographic trends in the labour markets. Here, the Slovenian Presidency wants to adopt conclusions to promote quality work for all generations.
In addition, the Presidency intends to adopt conclusions on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on gender equality in the labour market. Finally, due to a certain geographical proximity, it will also seek to bring the Western Balkan countries closer in line with the principles of social Europe.
An informal meeting of ministers for employment and social policy (‘EPSCO’) will be held on 8–9 July. During this meeting, the focus will be on how to make the labour market more resilient and inclusive in the face of the green and digital transition.
Alongside the informal meeting, there will be a joint meeting of EU ministers for employment and social policy with the ministers of employment from Western Balkan countries. The meeting will focus on promoting opportunities in the labour market for young people.
An ‘EPSCO’ Council meeting is scheduled to take place in Luxembourg on 15 October, and another meeting has been set for 6 December. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)