Brussels/Helsinki, 10/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - After the meeting, held in Helsinki on 6 July, between the “Social” Troika, representatives of the European social partners and the platform of European social NGOs (see EUROPE 9227/9228), the Social Affairs and Healthcare Ministers of the EU got down to the challenges of globalisation and the ageing population the following day. Talks were held within three workshops, given over to (1) productivity and the quality of professional life; (2) extending working lives; and (3) promoting health in the work place (see EUROPE 9219). Taking part in this informal meeting were ministers from the enlarged EU, the candidate countries and Norway (currently chairing the EFTA), according to a press release issued by the Finnish Presidency.
After the completion of the work, Finnish Minister Tarja Filatov (Employment) told the press that Finland intended to promote the concept of productivity in all configurations of the Council and within the Committee on Employment, stating that “productivity, which is one of the ways we can respond to globalisation and the ageing population, and flexicurity will be on the agenda of the Tripartite Social Summit and the informal European Council to be held in Lahti this October”. On the promotion of health, “much remains to be done”, her colleague, Liisa Hyssälä (Health and Social Services) acknowledged. Last Friday's work highlighted the urgent need for a prevention policy in the workplace in terms of the fight against alcoholism, smoking, stress, absenteeism and the lack of physical exercise. “Work and health are related in terms of productivity and economic growth”, she added. Minister Tuula Haatainen (Social Affairs and Health) stressed the fact that “living longer and in good health, but also gender equality, are positive results of the policies we have followed”.
“We must continue to work to guarantee that the workplace is a safe place”, said Commissioner Markos Kyprianou (Health, Consumer Protection), announcing that after the summer, the Commission is to launch a new strategy on the fight against alcohol abuse and, in 2007, a strategic paper on the fight against obesity. The Commissioner also stressed the importance of working on health issues, not only between Health Ministers, but also with the Employment, Social Affairs, Environment and Education Ministers.
“Demographic change will be the main driving force behind our social, employment and healthcare policies”, announced Commissioner Vladimir Spidla (Social Affairs/Employment/Equality), warning: today in the EU, we have four people of working age for every retired person, but by 2050, this ratio will be two to one! Mr Spidla takes the view that it is essential to: make it easier to reconcile family life with a career (because too many women and people aged between 55 and 64 are outside the employment market); apply a policy of active ageing, as called for by the Lisbon Strategy. “I do not just want to say that we must push back retirement age, even though I believe this to be absolutely necessary. We must also promote health in the workplace and in lifestyles. We must improve access to training for older people and we also need more flexibility from the point of view of working time and the organisation of work, in order to allow these people to take an active part in professional life”, Vladimir Spidla concluded.