Ljubljana, 5 July 2021
On 8 and 9 July 2021, the ministers of EU member states responsible for employment and social affairs will convene at an informal meeting at Brdo pri Kranju. The meeting will be dedicated to the resilience and inclusiveness of the labour market. A joint meeting of the ministers of EU member states and the Western Balkan partners responsible for employment will also take place in the margins. The discussions will be chaired by Minister Janez Cigler Kralj as the Chairman of the employment and social policy Council configuration.
At the two-day meeting, ministers will discuss how to build a more resilient and inclusive labour markets for all generations. Minister Cigler Kralj stated: “I expect a fruitful discussion on concrete steps. We need to create a social system in which we build on our knowledge and acquire new skills throughout our working lives. Only in this way will we be able to adapt to rapid changes in the labour market.” He added that he would draw attention to the importance of lifelong learning and training for the new professions of the future.
The discussion will focus on ensuring quality jobs, investing in people’s skills, flexible forms of employment and other contemporary challenges. Particular emphasis will be placed on demographic challenges and on the importance of providing employment opportunities and quality jobs for all generations. Representatives of other EU institutions, European social partners and European federations of NGOs will also take part in the debate.
Meeting with the Western Balkans ministers and talks on young people in the labour market
Alongside the informal meeting, a joint meeting between EU ministers and the employment ministers of the Western Balkan partners will take place on Thursday afternoon. The meeting will be devoted to the promotion of opportunities for young people entering the labour market in the home environment.
Visit of high-level guests
In addition to the ministers and state secretaries of the member states, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit will also join the event at Brdo pri Kranju.
Information for the media:
Prior to the meeting, ministers will make doorstep statements. A press release will be published after the meetings.
More information on the visit available at: Špela Horjak, Spokesperson COREPER I, spela.horjak@gov.si