EU employment and social affairs ministers advocate more inclusive labour markets for all generations

Today, the two-day informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers of EU Member States concluded in Brdo pri Kranju. The meeting focused on the topic of creating a more resilient and inclusive labour market. The discussions were chaired by Minister for Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Janez Cigler Kralj.

During the first session, the discussion focused on the policies that contribute to the greater resilience of the labour markets. The aging of the population, digitalisation and the transition to a climate-neutral economy coupled with the consequences caused by COVID-19 have a significant impact on labour markets, social protection systems and the daily lives of people of all ages across Europe.

The presidency believes that the issue can be managed with the establishment of resilient and inclusive labour markets that benefit individuals of all ages, companies and society as a whole. We need public policies that put people first. We need measures that support people in transitions they experience throughout their working lives, that promote the creation of high-quality jobs and that enable everyone to be included in the labour market. This is the only way to make our societies more sustainable!

Janez Cigler Kralj Minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities

Janez Cigler Kralj Minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities

Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, who participated in the discussion, said "Addressing demographic trends such as ageing is key to responsible and responsive policy-making in democracies. We will not be able to achieve the targets of our ambitious, but necessary, green and digital transitions without factoring in the third key transition: demographic change."

On Friday, the ministers discussed policies to ensure more inclusive labour markets. More inclusive labour markets for all generations, which lend support to people during transitional periods they find themselves in during their working lives, bring about social welfare and promote productivity and competitiveness. They agreed that a package of measures to improve the management of diversity in the workplace, prevent discriminatory practices and strengthen intergenerational cooperation is necessary.

"The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan is our recipe for resilience. Strengthening the resilience of our labour markets essentially requires three ingredients: investment in people, adequate labour market support services, and an adapted social rulebook ensuring quality jobs including in the new world of work. And a strong social dialogue is crucial to the success of all three components." said Nicolas Schmit i, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.

Representatives of other EU institutions, European social partners and European federations of NGOs also took part in the discussions. They committed for a joint dialogue and emphasized that the provision of quality jobs is a shared responsibility of decision-makers, employers and workers.

Video of the press conference ©European Union