Skip to content
  • Rada pro zaměstnanost, sociální politiku, zdraví a ochranu spotřebitele

Rada pro zaměstnanost, sociální politiku, zdraví a ochranu spotřebitele, 19. října 2026

Main results

Housing exclusion and homelessness

The Council adopted a recommendation on fighting housing exclusion, including homelessness.

The recommendation calls for a person-centred, housing-led approach to combatting social exclusion that includes strengthening tools to identify and support people at risk of homelessness, simplifying access to social services and boosting the supply of affordable and social housing.

<p>James Browne, Irish Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage</p>

The recommendation represents a significant milestone as the first EU recommendation addressing housing, including homelessness and reflects the EU’s commitment to support member states in addressing these challenges across Europe. It sets out a comprehensive package of measures focused on prevention, early intervention, integrated support services and access to adequate, affordable and secure housing, while also encouraging action to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.

<p>James Browne, Irish Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage</p>

James Browne, Irish Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Council’s recommendation is one of the deliverables of the European Affordable Housing Plan, which the Commission put forward in December 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis.

Quality Jobs Act

EU ministers discussed how best to ensure that the upcoming Quality Jobs Act addresses the needs of both workers and employers in a rapidly changing world of work.

In particular, ministers shared their expectations for the act on the basis of five key dimensions that formed part of the Commission’s initial consultations with the social partners: algorithmic management and use of AI in the workplace; health and safety at work; the right to disconnect and telework; workers’ rights in subcontracting chains; and the digital and green transitions.

<p>Dara Calleary, Irish Minister for Social Protection</p>

High-quality employment is fundamental to Europe’s economic resilience, competitiveness and social cohesion. Achieving inclusive labour markets requires sustained efforts to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all. By promoting quality employment and addressing barriers to labour market participation, together we can deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives and strengthen social cohesion.

<p>Dara Calleary, Irish Minister for Social Protection</p>

Dara Calleary, Irish Minister for Social Protection

Equality as a driver for growth and competitiveness

The Council approved conclusions on equality as a driver for economic growth and competitiveness in the EU. The conclusions make the economic case for equality policy, arguing that discrimination is not merely unjust, but also wastes human potential and damages the economy. They are organised into sections focusing on gender equality, LGBTI equality, disability, anti-racism and Roma inclusion, and age discrimination and ageism.

<p>Norma Foley, Irish Minister for Children, Disability and Equality</p>

Equality and competitiveness are not competing priorities – they go hand in hand. A labour market that welcomes people from all backgrounds is one that can draw on a wider range of skills, experiences and perspectives. By tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion, we can create more opportunities for our people while strengthening Europe’s economic performance.

<p>Norma Foley, Irish Minister for Children, Disability and Equality</p>

Norma Foley, Irish Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

Delivering equality in the EU

Ministers discussed the most significant social and economic benefits of progress on equality and non-discrimination in the member states in recent years. They also identified actions to prioritise over the next five years in order to advance equality in the EU and deliver measurable results.

European Semester

In the context of the annual European Semester cycle, the Council endorsed key messages from the Employment Committee (EMCO) and the Social Protection Committee (SPC). The messages set out the main findings of the committees’ annual reports on the economic and social situations in the EU and relevant policy developments in member states.

Informal lunch debate

Over lunch, ministers exchanged views on the EU’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, focusing on possible EU action on the activation of persons excluded from the labour market. The Anti-Poverty Strategy was published in May 2026 and identifies access to quality employment as the most effective route out of poverty and social exclusion.

Other points

Under ‘other business’, the Council received information from the presidency on the state of play of the equal treatment directive, the recent Tripartite Social Summit, and events organised during the Irish presidency. Moreover, on behalf of the Commission, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib presented their respective progress reports on simplification, implementation and enforcement for 2026. A number of member states also shared information about the implementation of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.

Items approved without discussion

The revision of directive 2004/37/EC on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work (sixth batch) was adopted as an ‘A’ item.

Ilustrace: Prosazování silnější sociální Evropy.
Prosazování silnější sociální Evropy (Infografika)

Prosazování silnější sociální Evropy (Infografika)

Dokumenty k zasedání

Tiskové zprávy

Informace pro média

Kontakt pro tisk

Nepracujete-li pro média, obraťte se prosím se svým dotazem na službu informací pro veřejnost.

Akreditace a mediální události

Obecné informace o akreditaci naleznete zde.

Akreditace médií na mezinárodní summity konané mimo Evropskou unii zajišťují vládní orgány hostitelské země.

Sledujte aktuální dění

Další zasedání: Rada pro zaměstnanost, sociální politiku, zdraví a ochranu spotřebitele

Zobrazit další zasedání

Naposledy aktualizováno: 19. října 2026