Brussels, 13 March 2023
Employment and social policy, 13 March
Infographic – EU temporary protection for displaced persons
One year into the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has forced millions of people to cross the European borders. Almost 4 million Ukrainians have registered for temporary protection in the EU. People registered under this temporary protection mechanism have automatic access to housing, to social and medical assistance, to education for children as well as access to the labour market.
As the war enters its second year, many people seeking refuge in the EU are trying to rebuild a life in their host country and finding work is an important step towards integration. But it is also a challenging one: because of language barriers, skills recognition, insufficient access to childcare.
Ministers held an exchange of views on the employment and social situation in the EU, with a particular focus on the labour market situation of temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine.
Many ministers highlighted that the impact of Russia’s war of aggression on European labour markets was rather limited and that, if anything, employers struggle because of labour and skill shortages. As regards the integration of Ukrainians fleeing the war, many ministers commended their willingness to find a job but also praised EU businesses, civil society and citizens for their efforts to help Ukrainians now living in the EU.
In response to the diagnosis that many Ukrainians found work below their actual skills level, the importance of tackling the language barrier and stepping up the recognition of qualifications was stressed. Social policies and welfare benefits were put forward as necessary tools to dampen the impact of the war on Europeans – many of whom are impacted by inflation and high energy prices.
The Ukrainian people is suffering greatly from the atrocious Russian war of aggression. The EU, its citizens and member states have taken unprecedented steps when it comes to helping Ukrainians find a job, have access to childcare and receive social welfare assistance.
Johan Pehrson, Minister for Employment and Integration
- EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)
- Refugee inflow from Ukraine (background information)
European Semester
Ministers exchanged views on the European Semester 2023 and also adopted the joint employment report (JER) and approved Council 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.
ILO convention 190
Ministers exchanged views on a proposed Council decision which would authorise member states to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) of the International Labour Organization. The convention is the first international instrument setting out specific, globally applicable standards on tackling work-related violence and harassment.
Other business
The Commission provided information on activities under the European Year of Skills and on the draft directive regarding limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates (which are organic compounds).
The Commission also presented a report on the implementation of the Council recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed as well as a report from the high-level group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU.
Also on the agenda was an update from the presidency and the Commission on the upcoming Tripartite Social Summit (22 March 2023).
Special Commission Advisor to Commissioner Schmit on Ukraine Lodewijk Asscher presented its recommendations stemming from his mission and the chairs of the Employment Committee (EMCO) and Social Protection Committee (SPC) presented their Work Programmes for 2023.
The Portuguese delegation finally informed about the planned Porto Social Forum, a follow-up to the Porto Social Summit of May 2021.
The Council adopted without discussion the items on the list of non-legislative A items.
Health, 14 March
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.
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
Source – EU Council