Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) meeting on 12-13 June 2023
On Monday, 12 June, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, and Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, will take part in the meeting of EU employment and social affairs ministers (EPSCO).
Agenda highlights
Platform workers
Ministers will aim to agree on a joint position for the proposed platform work Directive, which intends to improve the working conditions in platform work and to support the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the EU.
European Semester
Ministers will also discuss the European Semester spring package and are set to approve the Commission’s proposals for 2023 country-specific recommendations.
Equality bodies
The Council is also set to adopt a joint position on the two Commission proposals strengthening EU equality bodies to combat discrimination in Europe more effectively and will also discuss the proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Health and safety at work: limit values for lead
Employment ministers are expected to adopt a joint position on the Commission proposal to improve the protection of workers exposed to two dangerous chemicals: lead and diisocyanates, which was announced in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027.
- Commission proposal to improve the protection of workers exposed to two dangerous chemicals: lead and diisocyanates,
- EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027.
- Protecting workers: health and safety at work (background information)
- Infographic - The impact of asbestos on workers’ health
Mental health
Together with ministers and the acting executive director of EU-OSHA, Commissioner Schmit will participate in the debate on mental health, including occupational safety and health aspects like psychosocial risks at work.
This follows a new comprehensive approach to mental health presented by the Commission this week, and the outcomes of the recent OSH Summit in Stockholm.
Other business
The Council will also receive information about the directive on the protection of workers from asbestos, and the regulation on social security coordination.
- Directive on the protection of workers from exposure to asbestos at work
- Regulation on the coordination of social security.
Other agenda items include the approval of Council conclusions on mainstreaming a gender equality perspective in policies, programmes and budgets, as well as a presentation of the work programme for the incoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Background information
How does the EPSCO Council work?
The EPSCO Council brings together ministers responsible for employment, social affairs, health and consumer policy from all EU member states. Relevant European Commissioners also participate in meetings.
There are usually four EPSCO meetings a year. Two of the meetings are generally devoted exclusively to employment and social policy topics.