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Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 9-10 December 2019

Infographic - The Economy of Wellbeing: going beyond GDP

4 leaf shapes with symbols representing social protection, gender equality, health care, education and training See full infographic

Main results

Health, 9 December 2019

The Council held a debate on 'Economy of Wellbeing – next steps in investing in health as its key component', based on a discussion paper. Ministers exchanged views on health-related topics, in particular mental health, healthy ageing and the digital transformation of health and social services.

European pharmaceutical policy

Based on a presidency note, ministers also held a debate on how to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the aim of improving access to medicines throughout the EU.

Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services of Finland

This debate was extremely important because shortages of medicines pose serious risks to patient safety. We also have to see how to deal with the different levels of access to new medicines across the EU. Cooperation and coordination are key, as these challenges require measures both at EU and national level.

Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services of Finland

Any other business

  • The presidency informed ministers about the current work on the Regulation on health technology assessment and amending Directive 2011/24/EU
  • The Commission provided information about the state of health in the EU
  • The Commission also provided information on the state of play of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and of Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices
  • Ministers were briefed on the outcomes of conferences organised by the Finnish presidency
  • The incoming Croatian presidency presented its work programme in the area of Health

Employment and Social Policy, 10 December 2019

Gender equality

On the basis of a discussion paper, ministers held a public debate on the future gender equality policies and gender mainstreaming in the EU. At the beginning of the debate the director of the European institute for gender equality (EIGE) presented the findings in the latest EIGE report on the main trends, current progress, and major challenges in the field of gender equality in the EU.

The Council adopted conclusions on gender equal economies in the EU. The adoption is part of the review of the implementation of the UN agenda for gender equality and women's empowerment by the EU and its member states (Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action).

Health and safety at work

The Council also adopted conclusions on a new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work. The conclusions invite the Commission to present a new framework for the period 2021-2027.

Future of EU social legislation

On the basis of a presidency steering note, ministers held a public debate on the future of the social legislation in the context of rapid changes in the labour market. The aim of the discussion was to explore possible avenues for further developing EU legislation in the area of social affairs, to identify difficulties in its implementation, to share ideas on how to fill the remaining legislative gaps and to better enforce existing laws.

Inclusive labour markets

Ministers also adopted conclusions on inclusive labour markets. The main aim of these conclusions is to highlight the economic value of providing better employment opportunities to people with disabilities, low-skilled and long-term unemployed people, young people and people with a migrant background.

The Council also endorsed the findings of the Employment Committee on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee.

Any other business

The presidency informed ministers about the progress on several legislative proposals:

  • Decision amending Decision No 573/2014/EU on cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES)
  • Revision of Regulations on Coordination of Social Security systems (883/04 and 987/09)
  • Regulation on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)
  • Directive on Equal Treatment (Article 19)
  • Gender balance on company boards Directive

The presidency also informed ministers about the state of play regarding the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed

Ministers were briefed on the outcomes of conferences organised by the Finnish presidency.

The Swedish delegation informed ministers about a mutual learning seminar on preventing domestic violence with men and boys (Stockholm, 16-17 September 2019)

The chairperson of the Social Protection Committee provided information about the main messages contained in the Committee’s recent report on tackling homelessness and housing exclusion.

The incoming Croatian presidency presented its work programme in the area of Employment and Social Policy