On Monday 2 December in Brussels, the EU ministers for employment and social affairs will be asked to approve a general approach on the directive on quality traineeships, and to adopt a series of conclusions on demographic change, skills and labour shortages, and the inclusion of people with disabilities (see EUROPE 13526/18).
They will have two political debates. The first will focus on ‘comprehensive solutions to demographic challenges: supporting parents and unlocking the untapped potential of young and older generations’; the second will focus on future social and employment policy priorities in the context of the ‘2025 European Semester’.
Over lunch, they will have a further informal discussion on how to address skills shortages to ensure the green and digital transition to high-quality jobs.
Traineeships. The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which failed to find political support among the Member States on 27 November (see EUROPE 13533/26), will sound out the ministers on its proposal for a general approach to the directive on the working conditions of trainees.
On 27 November, a blocking minority was quickly formed when a significant number of countries, including Spain, Slovenia and Portugal, as well as Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, rejected the proposal, according to one source. Germany had also indicated its intention to abstain on 2 December.
On 27 November, the European Commission called on the Presidency not to put this draft agreement on the ministers’ agenda.
The ministers will also adopt a progress report on the recommendation on quality internships.
Demography. The ministers will be invited to discuss “comprehensive solutions to demographic challenges”, and in particular how to support parents.
By 2050, the EU’s share of the world’s population is expected to be less than 5%, writes the Presidency. These demographic trends could have a major impact on the EU’s long-term competitiveness.
According to the Presidency, particular attention should be paid to strengthening overall support for parents and to working on improving work-life balance and gender equality while enabling parents to engage in paid work.
Link to the debate: https://aeur.eu/f/ej4
Social convergence. On this point, the ministers will take account of the note on the assessment of the Social Convergence Framework implemented on a pilot basis in the ‘2024 European Semester’ cycle, prepared by the Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee.
Link to the note: https://aeur.eu/f/ejv
‘European Semester’ and ‘Employment and Social Affairs’ priorities. While the ministers will adopt the 2024 guidelines for employment and social policies, they will also identify the next priorities for 2025 in a political debate, and will be invited to comment on the various trends in the EU in terms of employment, education and poverty rates.
With regard to the Union’s headline targets for 2030, while the EU employment rate has reached the record level of 75.3%, adult participation in education and training has remained well below the EU target. In 2022, 46.6% of people aged 25 to 64 participated in education or training activities.
The rate of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion fell slightly to 21.4% in 2023, but remained high in certain vulnerable groups and income inequalities remained broadly stable, while the rate of severe material and social deprivation increased.
Fundamental rights. On the social inclusion of people with disabilities, EU ministers are expected to adopt conclusions on the inclusion of people with disabilities through employment, reasonable accommodation and rehabilitation.
These measures aim to reduce employment gaps and promote social inclusion, building on initiatives such as the European disability and parking cards adopted in October (see EUROPE 13503/27).
Draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/ej6
Conclusions are also expected on the mental health of women and girls, with a view to integrating a gender perspective into mental health policies and combating violence and gender stereotypes.
The aim is also to support the rapid implementation of recent legislation on equal treatment, such as the Pay Transparency Directive (see EUROPE 13153/13) or the directive on combating gender-based and domestic violence (see EUROPE 13431/33). In addition, prevention and support measures tailored to women’s specific needs are being advocated, with a view to reducing the structural inequalities that threaten their mental well-being.
Draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/ej7 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic and Nithya Paquiry)