Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 08/07/2019 - Main results - Main contents
Highlights from the EPSCO (Employment and Social Policy) Council of 8 July 2019
Main results
Employment and Social Policy
Infographic - The Economy of Wellbeing: going beyond GDP
See full infographicMinisters held a public policy debate on the Economy of wellbeing. The discussion was based on a presidency 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.
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.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3706
Brussels
08/07/2019
Preparatory documents
List of A items, non-legislative activities
Outcome documents
Outcome of the Council meeting