M. Navickienė will discuss the community’s social policy and its future in Brussels

“It is very important that the main priorities of the future strategic agenda should focus on the goals of employment, skills and poverty reduction, and include initiatives to help solve the demographic and challenges related to the green, digital transformation. I also continue to take the position that a sustainable social policy cannot be imagined until the war is won,” says M. Navickienė.

According to her, war-torn Ukraine must remain on the agenda of the European Union, and it must also include assistance to Moldova, which has started its path towards membership.

As announced by the ministry, the ministers of the European Union (EU) countries will discuss the future of social policy at the meetings, discuss future EU policy priorities related to the European pillar of social rights, and also discuss the implementation of employment and youth policies in the Community.

Emphasis will also be placed on strengthening the cooperation between the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in the context of the European Semester and discussions on social investment, how to fully exploit the potential of social investment and its contribution to economic growth and fiscal sustainability stability.

EPSCO meetings are attended by ministers of EU countries responsible for employment and social affairs policies, and European commissioners also participate in them. This council is responsible for drawing up annual employment guidelines, which Member States take into account when implementing their national policies, as well as adopting legislation with the European Parliament to improve working conditions, social inclusion and gender equality.