Luxembourg, 20 June 2024
European Works Councils Directive
The Council agreed its negotiating position (‘general approach’) on a proposal to amend the existing rules governing European works councils (EWCs).
The European works council directive will ensure that EWCs are easier to set up, better funded and better protected.
Current exemptions from the application of the directive will no longer apply, meaning that in all relevant companies the same minimum requirements for informing and consulting employees, including for setting up EWCs, apply.
- Strengthening representation of EU workers in multinational companies: Council agrees its position on the European works council directive (press release, 20 June 2024)
- European works councils directive (Council’s general approach)
Social dimension of the internal market
Ministers held a policy debate on the social dimension of the internal market, with the aim of exploring the role of the labour market and social policies in creating a sustainable single market for all.
During the discussion, ministers assessed the proposals put forward in the Letta report regarding employment, skills and social policies, and their governance. They also identified which of the report’s recommendations should be prioritised, and discussed the relevance of other elements relating to the employment, social and equality agenda from the perspective of a sustainable and inclusive single market.
Ministers welcomed the Letta report and highlighted certain elements, including the notion of a “freedom to stay”, meaning that people should not feel compelled to leave their country of origin in search of better conditions. Many member states stressed that economic growth and competitiveness are not possible without effective social policies, while others pointed to the need to address labour shortages through upskilling, reskilling, and facilitating recruitment of non-EU migrants with relevant skills, while also avoiding social dumping.
- The social dimension of the internal market – policy debate (presidency steering note)
- Watch the public session
Equal Treatment Directive
The Council discussed a progress report on the proposed directive implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in the areas of social protection (including social security and healthcare), social advantages, education, and access to goods and services (including housing).
The Belgian presidency has sought to place equality at the heart of EU policy, and nowhere is this more relevant than when applying the principle of equal treatment. We are proud to have produced a text that the vast majority of member states can support, and we will continue to work with future presidencies to ensure protection for victims of discrimination in areas outside employment.
Marie-Colline Leroy, Belgian State Secretary for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Reinforced quality framework for traineeships
The Council took note of progress reports on the traineeships directive and the Council recommendation on a reinforced quality framework for traineeships, which were published by the Commission on 20 March 2024 with the aim of improving working conditions for trainees, including pay, promoting inclusiveness and enhancing the quality of traineeships in the EU.
European Semester
The Commission presented the Spring Package of the European Semester, with for the first time a two-stage analysis of employment, skills and social challenges in each member state, based on the revised Social Scoreboard and the principles of a Social Convergence Framework. The Council also took note of the presentation of an opinion by the Employment Committee (EMCO) and the Social Protection Committee (SPC) on social convergence in the EU.
- European Semester (background information)
- Social Convergence in the Union: Opinion of the Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee
La Hulpe declaration
Ministers discussed the La Hulpe declaration on the future of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which reaffirms the pillar as the compass guiding the work on employment, social and equality policy areas. The Belgian presidency highlighted that the declaration, which was supported by the European Parliament, the Commission and a large majority of member states and social partners, will provide valuable input into the next EU strategic agenda for 2024-2029 and sends a clear message on the need for an ambitious social agenda.
Labour market, skills and social policies
The Council approved conclusions on the role of the labour market, skills and social policies for resilient economies, which touch upon the mutually reinforcing nature of economic and social objectives and invite member states to consider strengthening their capacity to assess the impact of labour market, skills and social policies on economic growth, competitiveness and productivity.
Ministers also endorsed voluntary guiding principles for EU member states for evaluating economic effects of reforms and investments in the labour market, skills and social policy domains, which set out a number of key elements to help member states evaluate how reforms and investments in the labour market, skills and social policy domains can contribute to economic growth.
- Council conclusions on the role of the labour market, skills and social policies for resilient economies
- Voluntary guiding principles for EU member states for evaluating economic effects of reforms and investments in the labour market, skills and social policy domains
Pension adequacy
The chair of the SPC informed the Council about the key conclusions on the 2024 Pension Adequacy Report. The Council also approved conclusions prepared by the SPC on pension adequacy, drawing on the 2024 report, in which it noted the importance of a forward-looking analysis of pension adequacy and old-age incomes. It invited the SPC and the Commission to continue their work on the adequacy of pensions and long-term care and to report back in 2027.
- Pension adequacy: key conclusions
- Pension adequacy: report
- Pension adequacy: country profiles
- Council conclusions on pension adequacy
Integration of the long-term unemployed
The Council endorsed EMCO’s key messages on the implementation of the recommendation on integrating the long-term unemployed into the labour market. The recommendation was adopted in February 2016 in response to the high levels of long-term unemployment across the EU that arose following the economic and financial crisis. This is the fifth review of the implementation of the recommendation.
Other business
Under other business, ministers received information about the EU talent pool, the Commission’s action plan on labour and skills shortages, the European Year of Skills, the work programme of the incoming Hungarian presidency, and events organised by the Belgian presidency.
- Proposal for a regulation establishing an EU Talent Pool (Council’s general approach)
- Action plan on labour and skills shortages
- European Year of Skills – information from the presidency and the Commission
- Presidency events – information from the presidency
Informal lunch debate
Over lunch, ministers took part in an informal debate on how to maximize the synergies between a new European Industrial Deal and strong social policies.
The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the list of non-legislative A items.
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
Source – EU Council