Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2019)151 - Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2019)151 - Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2019)151  |
| date | 27-02-2019 |
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that Member States are to regard their economic policies and promoting employment as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate their action within the Council. It provides that the Council is to adopt employment guidelines (Article 148), specifying that they must be consistent with the broad economic policy guidelines (Article 121).
While the validity of the broad economic policy guidelines is not limited to any specific period, the employment guidelines need to be drawn up each year. The guidelines were first adopted together (‘integrated package’) in 2010, underpinning the Europe 2020 strategy. In 2018 they were alligned with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights proclaimed in November 2017 by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, with a view to drive reforms at national level and to serve as a compass for a renewed process of convergence across Europe.
Along with the broad economic policy guidelines, the employment guidelines are presented as a Council Decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (Part II of the Integrated Guidelines) and provide the legal basis for country-specific recommendations.
The overall objectives and priorities expressed in the guidelines for the employment policies remain valid. By virtue of Article 148(2) TFEU, the validity of the Employment Guidelines for 2019 needs to be confirmed by a Council decision, following consultation of the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of Regions and the Employment Committee. The employment guidelines were adopted on 16 July 2018, with the aim of ensuring a focus on policy implementation.
2. RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
n.a.
3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL
OJ L 224, 5.9.2018, p. 4.