Brussels, 9 June 2023
On Monday, 12 June, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, and Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, will take part in the meeting of EU employment and social affairs ministers (EPSCO).
Ministers will aim to agree on a joint position for the proposed Platform Work Directive, which intends to improve the working conditions in platform work and to support the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the EU. Ministers will also discuss the European Semester spring package and are set to approve the Commission’s proposals for 2023 country-specific recommendations. The Council is also set to adopt a joint position on the two Commission proposals strengthening EU equality bodies to combat discrimination in Europe more effectively and will also discuss the proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Furthermore, ministers are expected to adopt a joint position on the Commission proposal to improve the protection of workers exposed to two dangerous chemicals: lead and diisocyanates, which was announced in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027. The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU will inform ministers about the ongoing negotiations related to the proposal of the Directive on the protection of workers from exposure to asbestos at work and the proposal of revision of the Regulation on the coordination of social security. In addition, the Council is set to adopt the Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the EU.
Together with ministers and the acting executive director of EU-OSHA, Commissioner Schmit will participate in the debate on mental health, including occupational safety and health aspects like psychosocial risks at work. This follows a new comprehensive approach to mental health presented by the Commission this week, and the outcomes of the recent OSH Summit in Stockholm. Other agenda items include the approval of Council conclusions on mainstreaming a gender equality perspective in policies, programmes and budgets, as well as a presentation of the work programme for the incoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Most of the debates can be followed online. A press conference with Commissioner Schmit will take place on Monday at +/- 17.30 CEST and can be followed live on EbS.
Source – EU Commission