Warsaw, 15 April 2025
On 14–15 April 2025, an informal meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO) took place in Warsaw. Ministers from the EU member states, along with European Commission Vice-President Roxana Minzatu, addressed topics such as the impact of digitalisation on the world of work and workers’ rights, active migrant integration policies, and equality in the labour market, with particular emphasis on care responsibilities. The meeting was chaired by Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Minister for Family, Labour and Social Policy.
The Impact of Digitalisation on the World of Work – Workers’ Rights in the Age of Algorithms, Platforms and Artificial Intelligence
Ministers discussed the challenges arising from the increasing use of artificial intelligence and algorithms in the workplace. While highlighting the benefits of new technologies – including increased innovation and productivity – they also pointed to the risks, such as the lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making, the erosion of collective rights, and the potential for excessive employee surveillance.
Technological change should serve businesses, streamline management, and support workers – it should make our lives easier, not harder.
Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-BąkPolish Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy
‘It must be designed and implemented in a process of dialogue and cooperation with social partners and employees. Social dialogue and legislation that keeps pace with technological change are the best guarantees that Europe will successfully navigate the digital revolution.’ added Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk.
One of the key points of the debate was the role of social dialogue in managing the digital transformation. Ministers agreed that effectively safeguarding workers’ rights requires greater involvement of trade unions and employee representatives in decision-making processes around AI implementation. They also addressed the need to adapt EU legislation – including the Platform Work Directive and the AI Act – to ensure workers have the right to information and consultation.
Active Migrant Integration Policy – Key Challenges and Best Practices
The second part of the meeting focused on integration policies across EU member states. Ministers stressed that successful migrant integration depends not only on access to the labour market, but also on support in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing. They emphasised the need to improve public administration processes, including speeding up the recognition of professional qualifications and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
During the discussion, ministers called for a fact-based public debate on migration, one that focuses on real challenges and their solutions. They also underlined the importance of developing transparent and harmonised regulations on legal residence, in order to facilitate migrants’ social and professional inclusion.
Equality in the Labour Market – Supporting Workers with Care Responsibilities
The third topic on the agenda was equality in the labour market and ways to support workers balancing employment with caregiving duties. Participants emphasised that the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities remains a major barrier to women’s career development, contributing to their lower labour market participation.
The discussion highlighted the importance of flexible employment arrangements that can promote a fairer division of caregiving responsibilities. In the context of the Work-Life Balance (WLB) Directive, particular attention was paid to the need for increased support for the so-called “sandwich generation” – people simultaneously caring for both children and elderly family members.
The Future of the European Labour Market
In conclusion, ministers agreed on the need to further develop policies that promote equality in employment and support those combining work and family responsibilities. The meeting ended with a declaration to continue working together on innovative solutions that help reconcile professional and private life, as well as on strengthening labour rights in the digital age.
The next EPSCO ministerial meeting will be held in June this year in Luxembourg, with discussions set to focus on combating poverty and responding to the challenges of the silver transformation.
See Council’s backgrounders on:
- The European Semester; Social rights in the EU;
- Accessibility to products and services for people with a disability and older peopleand
- European disability card.
- Event page: Informal meeting of social affairs ministers
- Upcoming formal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy) 19/6/2025
Source – Polish EU Presidency