Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 08/07/2019, 8 July 2019

Main results

Employment and Social Policy

Ministers held a public policy debate on the Economy of wellbeing. The discussion was based on a presidency steering note.

• Steering note

The debate was kicked-off by Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the OECD. He presented the OECD's findings on the topic, as set out in a background note commissioned by the Finnish presidency.

• The Economy of Well-being - OECD Background Paper

This debate was very timely. The EU is currently experiencing continuous economic growth and record levels of employment. But for how long? People are our main asset and we can only achieve long-term sustainable growth by improving their wellbeing. Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland

Ministers approved the country-specific recommendations (CSR's) falling under the responsibility of EPSCO.

• Draft Council recommendations - approval
• Council recommendations on the national reform programmes 2019

The CSR's will be formally adopted by the ECOFIN Council on 9 July.

Ministers also endorsed the opinions of the EMCO and the SPC:

• Endorsement of the opinions of the EMCO and the SPC
• EMCO thematic review conclusions 2018-2019 and Country examination
• SPC Multilateral implementation reviews of the 2018 CSRs

These provide an assessment of the employment and social protection challenges in the 2019 national reform programmes and examine the implementation of the 2018 CSR's.

The Council adopted a decision on guidelines for the employment policies (EGLs) of the member states.

• Proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States

Ministers held a public debate on the employment and social policy aspects of the 'Clean planet for all' strategy, based on a presidency steering note.

• Steering note

Today’s debate confirmed the importance of taking into account the social impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy. We need to offer European citizens a landscape of hope, encourage workers to acquire new skills and competences, provide entrepreneurs with new business opportunities, and support sectors and communities which need to adapt to a sustainable economy. A fair transition is our common goal and vital interest. Timo Harakka, Minister of Employment of Finland

Any other business

The Commission informed ministers about international developments in employment and social policies.

• Information note