Namur, 11 January – The inaugural ministerial meeting under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union commenced in Namur, bringing together Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs. The “EPSCO Informal” opened with a tribute to the late Jacques Delors and addressed critical issues shaping the future of social policies in the EU.
Reflecting on Achievements and Addressing New Challenges
During the first day, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Dermagne chaired the plenary session, featuring introductions by European Commissioner Schmit, Deputy Prime Minister Vandenbroucke, and OECD Director Scarpetta. Discussions included the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed in 2017, and its corresponding headline targets set in 2021. Acknowledging achievements such as the minimum wage directive, pay transparency directive, and the SURE initiative, participants agreed that the Pillar should guide future EU social policies. However, they highlighted emerging challenges linked to climate change, digitalization, demographic shifts, the housing crisis, and geopolitical tensions.
Concrete Actions and Policy Focus
The need for robust responses to new challenges was a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of social inclusion, gender equality, and policies that leave no one behind. Participants stressed the need for concrete actions at both EU and Member State levels. The Belgian Presidency’s initiative to present an interinstitutional declaration at the La Hulpe conference on the Social Pillar in April garnered widespread support.
Breakout Sessions on Critical Issues
In the afternoon, three breakout sessions delved into labor shortages, social protection, and social services. Discussions focused on policy instruments to address labor shortages, the importance of skills policies, and improving working conditions in industries facing shortages. The need to fill gaps in social protection, tackle benefit non-take up, and enhance access to social services were key topics in the breakout sessions.
Looking Beyond Borders and Ensuring Coherence
The second day will explore global perspectives, with a plenary session looking beyond EU borders, discussing labor and social rights worldwide. The EU enlargement process’s challenges for employment and social policies will also be addressed, with a focus on creating a social “level playing field” for new member countries. The final session will emphasize the coherence between employment, social, economic, and environmental policies, highlighting the role of social investment.
Quotes from Key Figures
Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Deputy Prime Minister: “It is time to give a new impetus to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This is the added value of Europe: protect, prepare, and strengthen people.”
Commissioner Schmit: “The Summit at La Hulpe in April will be a moment to assess, consolidate, and launch new avenues in the implementation of the Pillar, answering citizens’ needs and concerns.”
Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister: “Our goal is to set up a common European agenda to create a Union that guarantees opportunities for all, fosters high-quality employment, and guarantees adequate protection for all. For the European Union to be a strong player in the world, it has to be a Social Union for its citizens.”
