Europe’s socialists and social democrats will ensure economic progress in the coming years. This also means progress on social wellbeing for citizens, reinforced through the European Pillar of Social Rights. This was the commitment today as employment and social affairs ministers from the Party of European Socialists (PES) met online to discuss the European Council Strategic Agenda 2024-2029.
German State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs and meeting Chair, Rolf Schmachtenberg, said:
“Upholding the social dimension of the EU is a priority for our political family. As outlined in the European Council Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, it is time to deliver economic progress while prioritising citizens’ social wellbeing and reinforcing the European Pillar of Social Rights.
“In our last meeting, we emphasised the importance of linking competitiveness with social protection and good job conditions. Thanks to the push of our comrades from the Belgian Presidency of the EU, there are references to it in the Council’ Strategic agenda.
“We must build on this and on the many achievements in the field of labour and social right that Nicolas Schmit and our political family brought in the last five years. We need to move forward and take further steps to promote citizens’ wellbeing. That starts with social investment to meet the challenges of the green and digital transitions, tackling inequality, and promoting sustainable growth.”
The meeting thanked European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit for his campaign as PES Common Candidate and for his work to promote social issues during the outgoing mandate. Ministers expressed their confidence and hope that Nicolas Schmit will play a strong role in the next European Commission. The meeting also welcomed the election of António Costa – another champion of social Europe – as President of the European Council.
Ministers discussed the Traineeships Directive, underlining its importance for young people. The meeting agreed to continue working to achieve the legislation.
Action to address labour shortages was also on the meeting’s agenda, with ministers expressing support for initiatives – such as the PES roadmap for quality and well-paid jobs – to make jobs more attractive, boost competitiveness, and benefit both companies and workers.
Enhancing skills through upskilling and reskilling is another vital area to ensure Europe’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed to lead the green and digital transitions, ministers agreed. Europe must continue working to build up its skills base, including encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM.
The meeting was attended by:
- Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, European Commission
- Rolf Schmachtenberg, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Germany
- Gabriele Bischoff, Vice-President, S&D Group in the European Parliament
- Ludovic Voet, General Secretary, ETUC
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary General, PES
