The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will do its utmost to reach an agreement on the revision of the rules for coordinating social security schemes (883/2004), insisted the Minister for Labour and Social Protection, Marinos Moushouttas, on Thursday 29 January before the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.
“It’s time to move forward and modernise” these rules, the revision of which was submitted in 2016, “even though we know that the dossier is difficult and that it has reached an impasse”.
Encouraged in particular to move this dossier forward by the Parliament rapporteur responsible, the German Gabi Bischoff (S&D), the Minister promised to work with Parliament and to do everything “to bring this dossier to a conclusion”. Fair mobility is one of the priorities and will be the subject of a conference in Cyprus on 11 March.
Alongside the Minister for Social Welfare, Clea Papaellina, and the Minister of the Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, who is also responsible for Housing, the Cypriot Minister echoed the ambitions set out by the European Commission to work towards quality jobs, with “decent wages” and equal opportunities.
The impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace will also be a priority, as AI should be a means of improving workers’ lives. “The way we frame it will determine what happens next, whether (AI) works for or against workers”, added the Minister. AI at work should not be “an objective in itself, but a means of creating quality employment for all”.
The Minister also promised to maintain an ambitious directive on quality internships when Cyprus holds its next trilogues in February. Internships must be “a real springboard for employment” and “young people must be genuinely protected”.
“This must be the first step towards sustainable and dignified employment”, added the Minister. Companies must be “encouraged to offer real apprenticeship opportunities for young people”.
Housing will also be a major priority, with the Cyprus Presidency having already decided to convene an informal ministerial meeting on 3 February, followed by another such meeting in May, devoted to actions at local level.
The Presidency wants conclusions on the subject for the formal Employment and Social Policy Council in June. Access to safe and functional housing, regardless of income level and social situation, is a priority, said Minister Ioannou. We need to “increase supply, encourage investment and help the most vulnerable”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)