Situation Of Ukrainian Refugees In EU Labour Market In Focus During Employment, Social Policy, Health And Consumer Affairs Council
On 13–14 March, the EU social services and labour market ministers will gather in Brussels for a formal meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO).
On the agenda are the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the EU labour market, the European Semester and the EU Global Health Strategy.
“Everyone wins if we make it easier for Ukrainian refugees to get jobs and create a decent life in the EU,” says Minister for Employment and Integration Johan Pehrson, who will chair the first day of the meeting.
“Ukrainian women who have fled to the EU must not become mired in social exclusion or financial insecurity,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment Paulina Brandberg.
The second day of the meeting will focus on health and medical care and will be chaired by Minister for Health Care Acko Ankarberg Johansson.
“The European Medicines Agency’s fees system needs to be reviewed so as to make it more manageable and flexible, and thus suited to future developments,” says Ms Johansson.
Minister for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall will host an informal lunch discussion, with a focus on support to children in vulnerable situations in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Day 1 – Employment and social policy
Situation of Ukrainian refugees in the EU labour market
The ministers will discuss employment and the social situation in the EU, with a specific focus on the millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their country and cross EU borders, many of whom want to start a new life. Finding work is important, but factors such as language barriers, inadequate recognition of skills and insufficient access to childcare complicate their situation.
The European Semester
With a focus on competitiveness and skills, the ministers will discuss the 2023 European Semester, which is an instrument for policy coordination at both EU and national level. The Council also plans to adopt the Joint Employment Report and approve the conclusions on the annual overview of sustainable growth and the 2023 Joint Employment Report.
Other business
The ministers will also discuss a Commission report on implementation of the Council recommendation on access to social protection for employees and self-employed people. During the meeting, recommendations from the mission of Special Adviser Lodewijk Asscher on the reception of Ukrainian refugees will also be presented. In addition, the ministers will be informed about a proposal concerning new limits on lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates.
Day 2 – Health and medical care
EU Global Health Strategy
The ministers will discuss the EU Global Health Strategy presented by the Commission on 30 November 2022. The aim is to promote discussion on how to strengthen synergies between various initiatives at EU level and what measures are important for implementation of the Strategy.
Fees payable to the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
The ministers will hold a policy debate on the Commission’s legislative proposal on fees payable to the EMA. The European regulatory system for pharmaceutical products is largely financed by fees paid by companies seeking approval for the sale of pharmaceutical products in the European market. The proposal is based on an evaluation published in 2019.
The proposal was presented on 13 December 2022 with the aim of providing a clearer picture of the underlying costs of the EMA’s work and the national competent authorities.
Other business
Information on a decision to reduce the risk of medical device shortages in Europe. The European Parliament and the Council have decided to adopt the Regulation with amendments of the transitional regulations for implementation of regulations on medical devices. The aim is to reduce the risk of medical device shortages in Europe. The matter of pharmaceutical product shortages will also be presented for informative purposes.