Agenda of the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 13-14 March 2023

Employment and social policy, 13 March 2023

One year into the Russian aggression against Ukraine

Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the employment and social situation in the EU, with a particular focus on the labour market situation of refugees from Ukraine.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has forced millions of people to cross the European borders. As the war enters its second year, many refugees are trying to rebuild a life in their host country and finding work is an important but challenging (because of language barriers, skills recognition, insufficient access to childcare) step towards integration.

Welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the EU – temporary protection mechanism (background information)

Refugee inflow from Ukraine (background information)

European Semester

Ministers will exchange views on the European Semester 2023, with a focus on competitiveness and skills.

The Council also plans to adopt the joint employment report (JER) and to approve conclusions on the 2023 annual sustainable growth survey (ASGS) and JER. Both the growth survey and the employment report are part of the European Semester autumn package.

The European Semester is an instrument of economic, fiscal, labour and social policy coordination at both EU and member state level.

European Semester (background information)

ILO convention

On 21 June 2019, the International Labour Conference adopted a convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work (ILO convention 190). The convention is the first international instrument setting out specific, globally applicable standards on tackling work-related violence and harassment.

On 22 January 2020, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a Council decision authorising member states to ratify, in the interest of the European Union, this convention. During the meeting ministers will exchange views on this proposed Council decision.

ILO convention 190 (International Labour Organization)

Other business

Other business points include a report from the Commission on the implementation of the Council recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed and a presentation of recommendations stemming from the mission to Ukraine of Special Advisor on the reception of Ukrainian refugees Lodewijk Asscher.

Health, 14 March 2023

Regulation on fees and charges payable to EMA

Ministers will hold a policy debate on a draft law on fees and charges payable to the European Medicines Agency. The proposal dates back to 13 December 2022 and intends to better reflect the underlying costs of the work done and coordinated by EMA.

Presidency steering note for the policy debate on the regulation on fees and charges payable to EMA, 23 February 2023

European Union global health strategy

Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the topic of the EU global health strategy which was presented by the Commission on 30 November 2022. Council conclusions on the topic are currently being prepared.

Presidency background note for the exchange of views on the European Union global health strategy, 23 February 2023

EU global health strategy (European Commission)

Other business

The Council will address also:

– the implementation of the medical device regulations

– the negotiations for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

– shortages of medicines in the EU market

Meeting information

• Meeting n°3973
• Brussels
• 13 March 2023
• 09:30

Preparatory documents

• Provisional agenda
• Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities
• Background brief