"EU Social Newsletter (DG EMPL)" Newsletter Issues

Improving the quality of traineeships (28/09/2023)

The European Commission has launched the second-phase consultation of European social partners to revise the 2014 EU Quality Framework for Traineeships, which outlines 21 principles for Member States to ensure high-quality traineeships.

Europe will do whatever it takes to keep its competitive edge (14/09/2023)

In the State of the Union address, the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, outlined key priorities and initiatives for the year to come, including tackling labour shortages, strengthening social dialogue and a European Wind Power Package that covers skills development.

Eurobarometer highlights skills shortages in small and medium-sized enterprises (12/09/2023)

A new Eurobarometer survey confirms that skilled workers are key to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe.

2023 REGIOSTARS: voting is open! (15/09/2023)

REGIOSTARS awards celebrate the EU’s most innovative cohesion policy projects and engage people in choosing the Public Choice Award winner. Vote now for your favourite projects among the 30 finalists.

Giving Dutch youth a brighter future with skills (28/09/2023)

Supported by nearly €2 million from the European Social Fund (ESF), the 'Praktijkcollege Rotterdam' project offers vulnerable young people the chance to realise their potential through education and the essential skills for success.

Czech victims of violence find a path to a new life (21/09/2023)

Co-funded by the ESF, 'ProFem 2.0' is a pioneering project that assists victims of domestic and sexual violence. Its efforts have led to the opening of the first ‘PORT’ centre, where victims of violence can access crisis assistance and accommodation, social and legal counselling, and medical services all at the same location.

Deutsche Projekte öffnen Karrieretüren für junge Menschen (18/09/2023)

In Baden-Württemberg unterstützen die ESF-geförderten Projekte „Brückenfreunde“ und „Wir Gastfreunde“ junge Menschen, Langzeitarbeitslose und Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund bei der Entwicklung der Kompetenzen, die sie benötigen, um auf dem Arbeitsmarkt erfolgreich zu sein.

Ensuring access to the European Child Guarantee for children in need (20/09/2023)

About half of all EU countries do not provide free access to childcare for children under 3, even for low-income households. Over two thirds of Member States do not provide free school meals for low-income students in compulsory education. Read more about the accessibility, availability and affordability of key services covered by the European Child Guarantee.

Empowering young adults on social assistance (18/09/2023)

This report builds on a peer review involving government and local-level social services representatives, examining active inclusion measures.

Smart ways to monitor and evaluate the European Social Fund (13/09/2023)

This study explores the legal and practical challenges of accessing and reusing administrative data to monitor and evaluate ESF+ programmes.

Career guidance for workers (06/09/2023)

This leaflet describes the main ingredients that contribute to quality in career guidance and how workers can benefit from it.

2023 European Week of Regions and Cities (09/10/2023)

The 21st European Week of Regions and Cities will feature six sessions on long-term care, skills promotion and learning mobility, as well as the Social Economy Gateway, the ALMA youth inclusion initiative and the Social Innovation+ initiative of the European Social Fund.

Social security and labour law aspects of posting of workers (25/10/2023)

The Free Movement and Social Security Coordination (MoveS network) is hosting a seminar to discuss how national legislation affects the posting of workers, focusing on practical implementation in terms of social security and labour law.

European Vocational Skills Week (23/10/2023)

The 2023 European Vocational Skills Week puts the spotlight on vocational education and training opportunities, which help people of all ages to develop and improve their skills for both their careers and personal growth.

New European cards to boost travel for persons with disabilities (01/09/2023)

The Commission has proposed the introduction of a European Disability Card and the enhancement of the current European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. Both cards will ensure consistent recognition of disability status across the EU, making sure people with disabilities can, on an equal basis, access special conditions, preferential treatment, and parking rights when visiting another EU country.

More digital social security systems to cut red tape for citizens and businesses across the EU (01/09/2023)

In a new Communication, the Commission outlines steps to improve the digitalisation of social security coordination in the EU to make it easier for Europeans to live, work and travel abroad.

The EU helped 13,000 dismissed workers to retrain and get back into employment (11/08/2023)

The EU allocated €51.8 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help over 13,000 displaced workers and self-employed people retrain and find a job in 2021-2022.

One year European Care Strategy - Caring for the carers (07/09/2023)

Since the European Care Strategy's launch a year ago, actions have been taken to improve care services through policy reforms, EU funding, and partnerships, with a focus on enhancing long-term care quality, working conditions in care, and addressing gender stereotypes while promoting work-life balance.

Che cosa è il lifelong learning? (29/08/2023)

Un breve video in italiano, realizzato dalla Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia, per capire cos'è il lifelong learning - ovvero la formazione permanente nel corso della vita - e quali opportunità offre il Fondo sociale europeo per migliorare le proprie competenze.

Cohesion funding: €33.6 billion for education, training and skills (26/07/2023)

The EU has allocated over €33.6 billion for the 2021-2027 programming period to support education, training and skills development, with a focus on vulnerable groups including young people and persons with disabilities.

Nové technologie dávají českým studentům náskok (01/08/2023)

Projekt „Let’s go on!“ financovaný z Evropského sociálního fondu využívá inovativní řešení, která pomáhají studentům využít jejich potenciál. INFIS, střední škola informatiky a finančních služeb v Česku, má ambici posílit postavení studentů tím, že jim poskytne nástroje, které potřebují k tomu, aby po absolvování školy uspěli v životě.

EU funds effectively helped cushion socio-economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic (04/08/2023)

A new report shows that EU funding has provided an efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to ease its negative socio-economic impact. EU funds helped Member States supporting healthcare and social services and generating short-term job opportunities.

Towards more customer oriented public employment services (21/08/2023)

The European Network of Public Employment Services (PES network) has released a new practical guide with concrete examples of how PES can implement more customer-centric approaches in the delivery of their services.

Quality assurance of Vocational Education and Training (04/08/2023)

The report summarises the presentations, discussions and main messages from the Quality assurance of Vocational Education and Training Annual Network Meeting, which took place in June.

EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023: Young professionals compete to become the “Best in Europe” in their chosen skill (05/09/2023)

For the eight time, EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 has gathered 600 young European professionals to showcase their skills and compete for the title of "Best in Europe" in their respective fields.

AccessibleEU Finland: Inclusive city planning (12/09/2023)

The seminar will focus on designing an inclusive customer experience while promoting accessibility and "Design for All" methodologies within inclusive city planning. It will showcase inclusive examples using the Helsinki City service map application.

AccessibleEU Portugal: Improving accessibility in cities (21/09/2023)

In cooperation with Câmara Municipal de Cascais (Portugal) and NOVA School of Business & Economics, the event on smart and inclusive cities will share best practices on accessibility on public space.

AccessibleEU Luxembourg: Designing accessible events (29/09/2023)

This workshop will focus on the importance of understanding the concept of "Design for All" when designing accessible events.

Access City Award 2024: applications are open (17/07/2023)

Strengthening social dialogue through European Works Councils (26/07/2023)

The Commission launched the second-stage consultation of European social partners on a possible revision of the European Works Councils (EWCs) Directive. EWCs support the involvement of employees in the decision-making process of large multinational companies.

Don’t travel abroad without your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (13/07/2023)

EHIC ensures you can receive medical treatment at the same cost and conditions as locals in the country you are visiting.

Improving the quality of traineeships (11/07/2023)

The Commission launched a first-stage consultation of European social partners on reinforcing the EU Quality Framework for Traineeships. The aim is to provide young people with valuable experiences under good conditions.

European Year of Skills: Commission evaluates progress in supporting lower skilled adults (17/07/2023)

The Commission has evaluated progress achieved through the Council Recommendation on Upskilling when it comes to raising the levels of literacy, numeracy and digital skills amongst adults as well as towards providing those who are lower skilled with further upskilling opportunities.

New European social dialogue committee for social services established (10/07/2023)

The committee, which brings together European employers and trade union organisations from the sector, aims to enhance social and employment policies, and promote dialogue at different levels for 9 million workers across the EU.

Young care leaver follows her dream career in Lithuania (04/07/2023)

The European Social Fund (ESF) project empowers young people transitioning from care institutions to live independently and integrate into the labour market.

Preparing young people for green careers in Germany (12/07/2023)

In Germany, the ESF-funded “BerufsKlima” work camps provide 16–25-year-olds with opportunities to acquire sustainability competencies to thrive in green careers.

Vulnerable jobseekers climb out of poverty in Belgium (18/07/2023)

Funded by the ESF, the Groep Intro vzw West-Vlaanderen project empowers vulnerable jobseekers to make a living and build a better future.

(20/07/2023)

Report on mobile seasonal workers and intra-EU labour mobility (28/07/2023)

This study summarises the challenges related to seasonal work and the situation of agricultural seasonal workers in four key destination countries. The focus of the study is how intra-EU seasonal workers’ conditions have changed over time.

Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2023 (06/07/2023)

See the HTML version of the report

In the light of the importance of skills for the EU economy and the European Year of Skills, the 2023 annual Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) review, entitled “Addressing labour shortages and skills gaps in the EU”, provides evidence on persistent labour shortages and changing skills needs in the EU. The report considers the implications of skills demands in the context of the green and digital transitions. It highlights certain labour market participation challenges, including demographic changes (notably ageing) and lower labour market participation among certain population groups, with a particular focus on women and migrant workers born outside the EU.

The analysis shows that labour shortages are found in a diverse range of occupations across all skill levels: construction, healthcare, science, ICT, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The importance of the structural drivers, underlying shortages, vary by occupation and sector. Overall, the working conditions or human resource management (HRM) practices are more often linked to employers’ difficulties in finding people, rather than a lack of skills among job applicants. Still, a limited supply of skilled workers poses challenges in certain fields (e.g. STEM, healthcare).

The report highlights the importance of policies and reform measures to alleviate persistent labour shortages. Those include investing in training and adult learning, increasing financial incentives to work, alleviating the barriers to people entering the labour market, improving work and pay conditions and social protection coverage, and implementing policies to attract workers from abroad into jobs facing shortages.

Main findings

Source data

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Executive summary

Note de synthèse

Zusammenfassung

Best practices in making EU cities more accessible (05/07/2023)

Read about the achievements of the 2023 Access City Award winners and the concrete steps taken to make public spaces, services, transport, buildings, culture, and tourism more accessible.

Effectiveness of policies to tackle undeclared work (25/07/2023)

This study examines the economic and social implications of undeclared work and reveals strategies to transform undeclared work into declared work, promoting fair competition, professional development opportunities for workers, and market stability for businesses.

AccessibleEU European event : Your role in making Higher Education more accessible and inclusive (29/08/2023)

Council adopts recommendation on social dialogue in the EU (22/06/2023)

The Recommendation supports Member States in strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining at the national level.

Protecting workers against asbestos: new EU rules (28/06/2023)

The European Parliament and Member States agreed on an update of the EU Directive on asbestos at work. This is an important step towards better protecting workers from this dangerous substance.

Access City Award: applications opening soon (30/06/2023)

Applications for the 2024 Access City Award competition will open in July. This award recognises cities which have made outstanding work to become more accessible for persons with disabilities.

A new comprehensive approach to mental health (07/06/2023)

The Commission will provide support to Member States prioritising people and their mental health with 20 flagship initiatives and €1.23 billion in EU funding.

Improving long-term care services (28/06/2023)

At the first meeting of national long-term care coordinators, Commissioner Schmit emphasised their crucial role in driving relevant national reforms and contributing to EU-level cooperation.

België: 2,2 miljoen euro ter ondersteuning van ontslagen werknemers (06/06/2023)

De Europese Commissie heeft voorgesteld om 603 werknemers die door een logistiek bedrijf in België zijn ontslagen, te ondersteunen met 2.2 miljoen euro uit het Europees Fonds voor aanpassing aan de globalisering.

Euronews: how can Europe grow its social economy? (26/06/2023)

The latest episode of Euronews Real Economy delves into Europe's social economy and how it can foster growth. Explore Sweden's social economy entreprises, which prioritise social and environmental objectives over profit.

Helping Ukrainian refugees to integrate in Germany (06/06/2023)

Germany’s Lower Saxony region invested €15 million, supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to provide Ukrainian refugees with the necessary support to thrive in Germany.

France: Une porte d’entrée vers l'emploi pour les jeunes martiniquais (14/06/2023)

Avec le soutien du Fond social européen, le projet «URASS-IFMES 2020» en Martinique a permis aux jeunes d'obtenir les certifications nécessaires pour poursuivre une carrière dans le secteur médico-social.

Croatia: Supporting children with disabilities for social inclusion (20/06/2023)

The ‘Step Forward’ project in Daruba (Croatia) is funded by the European Social Fund and provides professional psychosocial support to children with developmental disabilities.

Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE): labour shortages, skills gaps and how to tackle them (30/06/2023)

The yearly ESDE report reveals that despite the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine resulting in an economic slowdown in the second half of 2022, EU labour markets have demonstrated remarkable resilience last year.

Access to essential services: new report outlines key challenges for the most vulnerable (28/06/2023)

The EU report highlights the challenges faced by people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in accessing essential services like energy, transport and digital communication.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the green transition: inspiring practices (19/06/2023)

The compendium showcases best practices and key lessons, where VET has played a vital role in equipping young people and adults with the skills they needed in their careers and lives.

Commission proposal on developing social economy framework conditions (13/06/2023)

As part of the implementation of the action plan for the social economy, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions on 13 June 2023.

Call for Skills (24/05/2023)

New findings: traineeships facilitate youth employment (26/05/2023)

A Eurobarometer survey shows the positive impact of traineeships in helping young people secure employment. A comprehensive data analysis and factsheets for each Member State offer insights for improving employment opportunities for young people.

Pact for Skills advances skills training in Europe (05/06/2023)

With 2 million people benefiting from up-and re-skilling activities, 15 500 training programs updated or developed, and €160 million invested in various skills initiatives, the impact of the Pact for Skills is evident.

Integrating people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the EU (05/06/2023)

Special Adviser for Ukraine, Lodewijk Asscher, presented his report to the Commission on successful integration approaches implemented throughout the EU. He also provided a series of recommendations.

Occupational safety and health summit conclusions (17/05/2023)

The Summit affirmed the effectiveness of the EU’s strategic framework on health and safety at work. The latter has been successful in identifying key objectives and actions to create a workplace adapted to fast-paced changes in the world of work.

Large-scale skills partnership for energy-intensive industries (10/05/2023)

The partnership aims to identify skill needs and develop training programmes to ensure that the workforce in energy-intensive industries possesses the right skills to remain leaders in the green and digital transition.

European Semester Spring package (24/05/2023)

The Commission provided guidance to Member States, focusing on building a robust and future-proof economy that ensures competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

Follow our EU Skills & Business page on LinkedIn (01/06/2023)

Stay updated on topics such as skills, social rights and single market by following our new LinkedIn page "EU Skills & Business" in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (GROW)!

The European Year of Skills: Future proofing Europe’s workforce (26/05/2023)

In this Real Economy episode, Euronews travels to Denmark to shed light on the importance of the European Year of Skills and its role in tackling labour market shortages in Europe.

Kompetenzschub für geringqualifizierte Mitarbeiter (24/05/2023)

Das vom Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) geförderte Projekt „Gute Perspektiven“ bietet Schulungen an, um gering qualifizierten Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmern in Deutschland die Grundkompetenzen zu vermitteln, die sie für den beruflichen Aufstieg benötigen.

Upskilling young and unemployed people through internships (23/05/2023)

In Portugal, the ‘Professional Internships’ project finds internships for young graduates and unemployed people, offering them valuable work experience and skills development opportunities.

Training employees for today’s digital landscape (24/05/2023)

The Belgian SME CyberSecurity Ambition project, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), provides training to employees of small and medium-sized enterprises on protecting their companies from cyber threats and securing business environments.

Report on the 2021-2027 cohesion policy programming (02/05/2023)

The report shows that the policy will generate investments worth of €545 billion, boost EU GDP by 0.5%, create 1.3 million jobs, and provide numerous benefits to the EU regions and citizens.

Making Skills Count Conference (08/06/2023)

The event will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to address skills development gaps and necessary changes in public policy and businesses during the European Year of Skills.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) meeting (12/06/2023)

A Union of Equality: Disability Rights and Strategies (27/06/2023)

Join the European Alliance for Apprenticeships 2023 high-level event! (26/06/2023)

Skills Festival (25/04/2023)

Commission calls for massive investment in digital education and skills (18/04/2023)

The Commission adopted two proposals for a Council Recommendation to address the digital divide. The Commission is also testing a European Digital Skills Certificate with several countries which will help people have their digital skills recognised easily across the EU.

Eurobarometer survey shows that traineeships help young people land their first job (28/04/2023)

A new Eurobarometer survey released today shows that traineeships are an important stepping stone for young people into the labour market. A clear majority of young Europeans (76%) participating in the survey overall agree, that they learnt things that are useful professionally during their traineeship.

Commission publishes new guidance for the safe management of hazardous medicinal products at work (28/04/2023)

The guidance provides an overview of existing good practice and practical advice to help reduce workers’ exposure to dangerous medicinal products.

Pact for Skills: launch of large-scale Skills Partnership in the space sector (25/04/2023)

With the support of the Commission, a large-scale Skills Partnership for the space sector dedicated to data, services and applications has been launched.

Strengthening social dialogue: first-stage consultation of social partners on European Works Councils Directive (11/04/2023)

The Commission launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners on a possible revision of the European Works Councils Directive.

Pact for Skills: launch of large-scale skills partnership for long-term care (25/04/2023)

Long-term care service providers, social partners and education and training providers, with the support of the European Commission, have set up a large-scale skills partnership on long-term care. It aims to improve both career paths of care providers, as well as the quality of care services thereby making the long-term care sector more attractive.

Euronews: How important is an adequate EU minimum wage in a high-inflation context? (25/04/2023)

In the latest Real Economy episode, Euronews travels to Latvia to understand whether increased minimum wages allow people to cope with the rising costs of living.

PESPod episode 17: Public Employment Services in the new normal (25/04/2023)

Listen to Łukasz Sienkiewicz, an academic and PES expert, and learn more about the latest trends in Public Employment Services and how they continue to adapt to a changing labour market and evolving working practices.

ESF-Projekt macht Deutschen Hoffnung auf nachhaltige Beschäftigung (25/04/2023)

Das vom Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF) geförderte Projekt „Nachhaltige Fertigung“ unterstützt die Ausbildung und Beschäftigung von Langzeitarbeitslosen in Deutschland. Gleichzeitig setzt es sich für die Umwelt, die Erhaltung begrenzter Ressourcen und für die Förderung von Wiederverwendung und Recycling ein.

A healthy work-life balance for parents in Italy (24/04/2023)

In Viterbo, the EU funded RAFFAEL project helps families to meet the demands of an active working lifestyle while ensuring children received excellent childcare.

An EU-funded project in Slovakia helps disadvantaged jobseekers to improve their digital skills (24/04/2023)

The ‘Basic Skills Development in Slovakia’ (BLUESS) project support adults without qualifications to build the skills they need to enter the labour market.

Quarterly Review of Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) (19/04/2023)

The review explores gender segregation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and healthcare occupations across EU Member States. It also demonstrates how desegregation offers an important opportunity to attract new workers to occupations facing shortages.

Evaluation of the support provided by ESF and FEAD under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiatives (03/04/2023)

The report shows how the immediate support provided by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Fund for the Most Deprived (FEAD) has helped cushioning the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Supporting persons with disabilities in entrepreneurship (20/04/2023)

A new policy brief explores the potential of entrepreneurship policy in supporting the labour market participation of people with disabilities.

Skilled Europe Village at EU Open Doors Day (06/05/2023)

As EU institutions open their doors to the public on 6 May, you can visit the Skilled Europe Village in the European Commission where you will find a range of activities and information about digital skills, green skills, language and translation skills. You will find out all you need to know about the European Year of Skills and what is in it for you.

Informal meeting of EU employment and social affairs ministers (EPSCO) (03/05/2023)

Agenda highlights include: How to prevent mismatches between skills and jobs in times of transition and how to enable adequate and sustainable social protection considering the demographic transition.

Webinar: Apprenticeships in the care sector and social economy (04/05/2023)

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) will host a webinar on apprenticeships in the care sector and social economy.

EYS (27/03/2023)

€1.2 million from European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support dismissed workers in Spain (16/03/2023)

The funding will help over 300 workers to find a new job through tailored guidance and advice, vocational training and job-matching. The workers had been dismissed by the company Alu Ibérica.

Commissioner Schmit participated in the kick-off of the EU-OECD Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA) (08/03/2023)

Over the next three years, the YEPA will bring together young and social entrepreneurs, policy makers and experts from the EU to discuss the policies and actions needed to support youth entrepreneurship in the EU.

Imported products should meet the same criteria as EU products (29/03/2023)

Ahead of new free trade negotiations in the sugar sector, social partners are advocating for the same requirements for imported and EU products in order to guarantee fair competition.

Be part of the European Year of Skills Festival on Europe Day! (29/03/2023)

On 9 May 2023, we will hear from people who benefited from skills training courses and obtained better jobs.

Pact for Skills: new large-scale renewable energy skills partnership (21/03/2023)

With the support of the European Commission, renewable energy trade associations and representatives of installers of clean technologies, have set up a large-scale skills partnership for the renewable energy industrial ecosystem.

Have your say on learning mobility (22/03/2023)

The European Commission opened a public consultation on teaching and learning abroad in Europe. Views are welcome until 3 May 2023.

Public Employment Services step up support to persons displaced from Ukraine (15/03/2023)

One year after Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine, a new survey shows that Public Employment Services continue playing a key role for the integration of displaced people from Ukraine in the EU labour market.

Net-Zero Industry Act: clean technologies manufacturing and green jobs (22/03/2023)

The Commission put forward the Net-Zero Industry Act to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU and ensure the success of the green transition.

Applications now open for 2023 REGIOSTARS awards (28/02/2023)

The 16th REGIOSTARS awards is open for application for all project beneficiaries of cohesion policy-funding, including the European Social Fund (Plus).

Euronews: changes in asbestos regulations to better protect EU workers (27/03/2023)

In a new Real Economy episode, Euronews travelled to France to find out more on the new occupational exposure limit to asbestos.

Un progetto italiano aiuta i giovani ad abbandonare la strada della criminalità (24/03/2023)

Il progetto italiano «Liberi di scegliere», sviluppato dal Ministero della Giustizia grazie al sostegno del Fondo sociale europeo, ha fino ad'ora sostenuto 83 giovani, specialmente minori, esposti a rischi legati alla criminalità, aiutandoli così a costruirsi una nuova vita distante da ambienti malavitosi.

Czechia implements ALMA (27/03/2023)

To support disadvantaged young people, Czechia recently launched a call for projects under the Commission's new ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve) initiative.

España pone en marcha nuevos programas del FSE+ (29/03/2023)

Las autoridades españolas han celebrado actos en todo el país para anunciar los nuevos programas de cohesión 2021-2027, que entre otros incluye el Fondo Social Europeo Plus (FSE+).

Lithuania’s drive to promote people with disabilities in the workplace (27/03/2023)

The Lithuanian ‘Active and needed’ project launched in 2018 with the support from the European Social Fund aims to tackle unemployment among people with disabilities.

Joint Employment Report 2023 (17/03/2023)

The 2023 Joint Employment Report focusses on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It also covers for the first time the national targets put forward by the Member States on employment, skills, and poverty reduction.

Cross-border healthcare in the EU (10/03/2023)

The report reviews the 10-year application of the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive across the EU.

Strengths and challenges of national minimum income schemes (16/03/2023)

The study assesses the importance of financial incentives and other factors for the labour market integration of minimum income recipients.

EU road transport: social security and labour law challenges posed by road transport in the EU (21/04/2023)

The Commission-funded MoveS network (Free Movement and Social Security Coordination) is organising a seminar on EU road transport's challenges on social security and labour law.

2023 European Year of Skills (24/01/2023)

2023 European Year of Skills

Commission acts to improve protection of workers with new exposure limits for lead and diisocyanates (13/02/2023)

The Commission has taken action to further improve the protection of workers from the health risks linked to the exposure to dangerous chemicals: lead and diisocyanates.

Donnez-nous votre avis sur la carte européenne du handicap jusqu’au 5 mai 2023! (03/05/2023)

La Commission européenne a lancé une consultation publique afin de recueillir des avis sur la Carte européenne du Handicap.

Social Europe: Eurobarometer survey shows Europeans support stronger social policies and more social spending (06/02/2023)

A newly released Eurobarometer survey shows that an overwhelming majority of EU citizens supports strong action at EU and national level as well as more social spending.

Participate in the public consultation on the future of learning mobility until 3 May 2023! (15/02/2023)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the future of learning mobility, and wants to hear from stakeholders.

European Commission will support with €1.9 million dismissed workers in Belgium (08/02/2023)

The European Commission proposed to support 559 workers dismissed by the logistics company TNT in Belgium, with €1.9 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF).

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan celebrates its 2nd anniversary on 4 March 2023 (22/02/2023)

Euronews: How is Europe addressing challenges in long-term care? (23/02/2023)

Meet Lucia and her grandmother Eva. Both participate newly set up community social service centre that benefits from EU social funding. The objective is to offer more and better quality services to elderly people.

Together for inclusive education and work opportunities (23/02/2023)

Persons with disabilities still encounter barriers and discrimination when looking for a job. More and better jobs in inclusive and accessible workplaces is one of the goals of the Disability Rights strategy. Catarina Oliveira, our Portuguese Champion, sat down with her sister, Alexandra, to talk about what the EU is doing to achieve a genuine Union of Equality.

O Comissário Schmit visita projetos e iniciativas de formação europeias em Portugal (21/02/2023)

Numa visita a Portugal, o Comissário Schmit conheceu participantes de projetos do FSE enfocados em competências e falou com jovens envolvidos no programa UPSkill para competências digitais que partilharam a sua experiência única.

Supporting over 100 marginalised communities in Romania (16/02/2023)

Thanks to the 'Creating and implementing integrated community services' project, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), vulnerable Romanians are receiving social services to avoid isolation and social exclusion.

One year on - how is the EU supporting vulnerable people fleeing the war in Ukraine? (24/02/2023)

Thanks to the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive, the EU supports Member States in providing people who fled Ukraine access to education and training, the labour market, healthcare, housing and social welfare. Discover how EU funding has helped displaced people from Ukraine.

Quarterly Review of Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) (25/01/2023)

This review focuses on affordability of childcare. It explores the childcare costs for parents over time for different households across Member States.

Skills shortages and structural changes in the labour market during COVID 19 and in the digital and green transitions (17/02/2023)

A new report analyses recent data and expert knowledge on skills shortages and relevant policy responses across the EU Member States, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the digital and green transitions.

Report on the transparency of social protection systems highlights progress and challenges (15/02/2023)

A new report of the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) highlights how countries have simplified and digitalised the access to social protection. It also finds that challenges remain, especially for vulnerable groups.

European Qualifications Framework and Ukrainian National Qualifications Framework (15/02/2023)

The comparison report demonstrates how Ukrainian qualifications compare with the European Qualification Framework (EQF). This will help displaced Ukrainians find a job in the EU that matches their skills.

Digitalisation in social security coordination (ESSPASS) and ‘Labour Cards' (01/03/2023)

To take stock of ongoing activities and exchange on further steps in digitalisation, support of labour mobility and free movement, the European Commission (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG) will organise this high-level policy conference.

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) Meeting (13/03/2023)

Agenda highlights: European Semester 2023 - European Year of Skills - One year into the Russian aggression against Ukraine: the employment and social situation in the EU, with a focus on the labour market situation of refugees from Ukraine.

Make EU Green Week 2023 your own – organise a partner event! (03/06/2023)

As part of the European Year of Skills, this year's selection of EU Green Week Partner Events will focus on skills for sustainable, resilient, and socially fair communities. Registrations are now open - so submit your Partner Event by 15 March! More information on the website.

Strengthening social dialogue in the EU (25/01/2023)

The Commission presented an initiative to further strengthen and promote social dialogue and greater involvement of social partners at national and EU levels.

Council adopts recommendation on adequate minimum income (01/02/2023)

The Council recommendation aims to combat poverty and social exclusion, and to pursue high levels of employment by promoting adequate income support.

The Green Deal Industrial Plan: putting Europe's net-zero industry in the lead (01/02/2023)

The Commission presented a Green Deal Industrial Plan. The third pillar of the plan will focus on developing the skills needed for the twin transition, a priority as well for the European Year of Skills.

Évaluation du cadre de qualité européen pour les stages (24/01/2023)

L’ évaluation du cadre de qualité pour les stages de 2014 fournit une analyse et des informations qui contribueront à l’élaboration d’une nouvelle initiative de la Commission dans le courant de l’année.

Have your say on the European Qualifications Framework (19/01/2023)

Participate in the public consultation to evaluate the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), by 22 March.

A place to call home for persons with disabilities (05/01/2023)

A project in Cyprus supported by the European Social Fund (ESF), has provided a home for socialisation and personal assistance.

Young people find their path after leaving institutional care (11/01/2023)

Thanks to funding from the European Social Fund, Concordia’s ‘First Room’ project, helps young people who have recently left institutional care in Romania, to build an independent life.

Gegen die „soziale Kälte“ auf den Straßen Berlins (23/01/2023)

In Berlin leben zunehmend mehr obdachlose Menschen und vielen von ihnen fällt es schwer, Unterstützung in Anspruch zu nehmen. Ein vom Europäischen Hilfsfonds für die am stärksten benachteiligten Personen und dem Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales kofinanziertes Projekt hilft, indem es über die gesetzlichen Rechte aufklärt und Betreuungseinrichtungen, Notunterkünfte und medizinische Hilfe anbietet.

Report on access to social protection for workers and self-employed (31/01/2023)

Three years after the adoption of a Council recommendation on access to social protection, a newly released Commission report shows a mixed picture in the implementation efforts across EU countries.

Gender equality and work-life balance policies after COVID-19 (11/01/2023)

A report illustrates how gender gaps in the labour market reinforce the unequal division of unpaid care work, it also highlights the importance of work-life balance policies to support women’s labour market participation and employment.

The future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU (07/02/2023)

The High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU will present their concluding report. The expert group examined how to reinforce social protection both at national and European levels to respond to megatrends such as demographic change, the impact of new forms of work, and the digital and green transitions.

European Public Employment Services Network Seminar (21/02/2023)

This seminar will focus on skills assessment, credentials, validation and recognition, thus making a concrete contribution to the 2023 European Year of Skills.