Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015.

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3412 - beskæftigelse m.v.
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

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(OR. en)

PRESSE 56

PR CO 48

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3412th Council meeting

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs

Luxembourg, 5 October 2015

Presidents

Nicolas Schmit

Minister for Labour, Employment and the Social and

Solidarity Economy

Romain Schneider

Minister for Social Security, Minister for Development

Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Minister for Sport

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

Social governance ................................................................................................................................ 4

Integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market ........................................................ 5

Adequate incomes for pensioners ........................................................................................................ 5

Employment policies of the member states ......................................................................................... 6

Agenda for health and safety at work .................................................................................................. 7

Relaunching the social dialogue .......................................................................................................... 7

Any other business ............................................................................................................................... 8

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

EMPLOYMENT

–

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - Belgium, Germany and Italy .............................. 9

SOCIAL POLICY

–

Community statistics on income and living conditions ......................................................................................... 10

HEALTH

–

Medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices ...................................................................................... 10

FOREIGN POLICY

–

Restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in

Ukraine .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Liberia ........................................................................................ 10

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

–

EUCAP Sahel Niger: Council nearly doubles mission's annual budget ................................................................ 11



Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

 

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

 

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

ENLARGEMENT

–

Stabilisation and Association Council with Bosnia and Herzegovina - Rules of procedure ................................. 11

FISHERIES

–

Partnership agreement between EU and Cape Verde - Conclusion of the protocol .............................................. 11

Partnership agreement between EU and Madagascar - Conclusion of the protocol .............................................. 12

Partnership agreement between EU and Guinea Bissau - Conclusion of the protocol .......................................... 12

TRANSPARENCY

–

Public access to documents ................................................................................................................................... 12

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

ITEMS DEBATED

Social governance

The Council held a policy debate on social governance in an inclusive Europe based on a

Presidency note (12082/15) and on the five Presidents' report.

Ministers expressed their common will to reinforce and deepen the social dimension of the EU.

They underlined the importance of aiming towards upward social convergence. The enhanced social

dimension would create an inclusive space with a high degree of social and employment

performance for its citizens, including the necessary modernisation and reform of social protection

systems and labour market institutions.

Ministers stressed that a deepened social dimension of the EMU should be built upon the existing

instruments within the European Semester process, including indicators such as the social and

employment scoreboard. Efforts made by the member states in line with their national competencies

need to be accompanied by the sharing of best practices and peer reviews. The use of benchmarks,

as well as the possible definition of standards and indicators, was discussed.

Ministers broadly welcomed the revised and streamlined European Semester. They highlighted the

importance of the role of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure and the need for it not to be

diluted and to remain centred on macroeconomic aspects and structural reforms. The role of EPSCO

as regards all employment and social related matters was emphasised.

The Council endorsed the

key messages

of the Social Protection Committee (SPC) report on the

social policy reforms for growth and cohesion: contribution to the annual growth survey 2016

(12079/15

+ ADD 1).

This report reviews the areas of social inclusion, pensions, health and long-

term care.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

Integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market

The Council held a policy debate on the recommendation concerning the integration of the long-

term unemployed into the labour market which the Commission had presented to it.

Ministers had the opportunity to discuss the major challenges, and to exchange national experience

in combating long-term unemployment.

Overall ministers concurred that long-term unemployment is a serious problem concerning a

category of people requiring particular attention across the EU, and thus a political priority to avoid

long-term social problems. They broadly welcomed the Commission's proposal as a common

framework to guide national efforts and called for a flexible approach on implementation.

The proposal for a recommendation, adopted by the Commission on 17 September 2015, is targeted

towards a group that was hit especially hard by the economic crisis: long-term jobseekers (12081/15

+ ADD 1).

Currently, 5% of the active population and half of the total number of unemployed are in long-term

unemployment. However, long-term unemployment affects member states to different degrees

depending on the impact of the crisis, the macroeconomic situation, the economic structure and the

functioning of national labour markets.

It affects a wide range of people, generally characterised by low employability and often coping

with multiple disadvantages. Workers with low skills or qualifications as well as third-country

nationals are twice as likely to experience long-term unemployment.

Adequate incomes for pensioners

The Council endorsed the key messages of the report 'Adequate retirement incomes in the context

of ageing societies' (12085/15) and adopted conclusions (12352/15).

The report highlights the issue of adequacy of income related to old age. Together with the

sustainability perspective already examined by Ecofin, it gives a comprehensive overview of the

challenges faced.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

Its key messages can be summarised as follows:

–

Current pensioners’ living standards have largely been maintained over the crisis, yet

poverty problems persist in some countries and pension outcomes are generally marked by

big gender differences.

Pension reforms with a strong focus on sustainability have been stepped up over recent

years.

Overall, spending on public pensions is no longer expected to be higher in 2060 than

presently.

Strong policies for addressing future adequacy risks are therefore essential.

EU cooperation to ensure adequate incomes in old age remains important.

–

The report on ageing states that, despite the very sharp increase in people aged 65 years or more, the

average expenditure on pensions for the EU of 28 should not be higher in 2060 than it was in 2013.

However, risks in terms of sustainability of public finances may result not only from the absence of

reforms to reduce future expenditure but also from the converse situation, where reforms mean that

an increasing number of older people do not receive an adequate income, i.e. an income which

enables them to lead a decent life.

It is therefore of the utmost importance to ensure that pension adequacy is monitored both from the

point of view of constraints on public finances and from that of social objectives.

Employment policies of the member states

The Council adopted a decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the member states

(11360/15).

The set of integrated guidelines for 2015 reflect the new approach to economic policy-making, built

on investment, structural reform and fiscal responsibility.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

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The four employment guidelines are as follows:

–

Boosting demand for labour

Enhancing labour supply, skills and competences

Enhancing the functioning of labour markets

Fostering social inclusion, combating poverty and promoting equal opportunities.

Agenda for health and safety at work

The Council adopted conclusions on the new agenda for health and safety at work to foster better

working conditions (11606/15).

These conclusions are prospective in nature, highlighting the resultant changes e.g. in terms of

technology and demographic change. All such changes must also be reflected in EU legislation on

health and safety at work in order to ensure decent working conditions for workers.

Relaunching the social dialogue

The Council took note of the state of play of the work on relaunching the social dialogue at

European level, on the basis of information provided by the Commission.

The Council was also informed about the tripartite social summit to be held in the margins of the

European Council, on the morning of 15 October. The theme this year will be 'Fostering

convergence, creating jobs and growth: strengthening the role of the social partners'.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

Any other business

–

The Presidency briefed the Council on the informal meeting of the labour, employment and

social affairs ministers of the member states of the euro area held before the formal

meeting of the EPSCO Council.

The Commission informed the Council of facts, figures and issues concerning labour

mobility.

The Presidency briefed ministers on the conference 'Working conditions for tomorrow'

held in Luxembourg on 10 and 11 September 2015.

–

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

EMPLOYMENT

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund - Belgium, Germany and Italy

The Council adopted the three following decisions mobilising €14.6 million under the European

Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), providing support for workers made redundant in Belgium,

Germany and Italy:

–

€6.96 million are being paid out of the EGF following the dismissal of 2 881 workers in

two German enterprises operating in the motor vehicle, trailer and semi-trailer

manufacturing sector; the redundancies are the result of the continued global financial and

economic crisis

an amount of €6.27 million is being mobilised after the dismissal of 5 111 workers of 12

Belgian enterprises operating in the motor vehicle, trailer and semi-trailer manufacturing

sector; the redundancies are the result of continued major structural changes in world trade

patterns due to globalisation

€1.41 million are being deployed following 1 249 redundancies in an Italian enterprise

operating in the air transport sector, following important structural changes in world trade

patterns caused by globalisation

The EGF helps workers to find new jobs and develop new skills when they have lost their jobs

as a result of changing global trade patterns, e.g. when a large company shuts down or a factory

is moved outside the EU, or as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. The support

offered by the EGF consists in co-financing measures such as job-search assistance, careers

advice, tailor-made training and re-training, mentoring and promoting entrepreneurship. It also

provides one-off, time-limited individual support, such as job-search allowances, mobility

allowances and allowances for participating in lifelong learning and training activities.

–

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SOCIAL POLICY

Community statistics on income and living conditions

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of Commission regulation (EU) No …/.. of XXX

amending regulation (EC) No 1983/2003 implementing regulation (EC) No 1177/2003 concerning

Community statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) as regards the list of target

primary variables (10948/1/15

REV 1).

HEALTH

Medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices

The Council endorsed its negotiating position on two draft regulations aimed at ensuring that

medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices are safe and of high quality. It herewith

confirmed an agreement of the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee of 23 September

2015. The Council's decision allows the Luxembourg presidency to start talks with the European

Parliament with a view to reaching an agreement as soon as possible.

Press release of 23 September 2015

FOREIGN POLICY

Restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the

situation in Ukraine

The Council extended the visa ban and the asset freeze applying to one person subject to restrictive

measures in view of the situation in Ukraine for five months, until 6 March 2015. The Council also

updated the statement of reasons for listing relating to this person. Details are published in the

Official Journal of 6 October 2015.

Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Liberia

The Council amended the restrictive measures in view of the situation in Liberia to implement UN

Security Council resolution 2237 (2015) of 2 September 2015. The travel and financial measures

applying to all non-governmental entities and individuals operating in Liberia are terminated while

the arms embargo is extended until 2 June 2016.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

EUCAP Sahel Niger: Council nearly doubles mission's annual budget

The Council increased the budget of the EU civilian mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) from

€9.8 million to €18.4 million for the period 16 July 2015-15 July 2016.

Press release

EUCAP Sahel Niger: Council nearly doubles mission's annual budget

ENLARGEMENT

Stabilisation and Association Council with Bosnia and Herzegovina - Rules of procedure

The Council adopted the EU position to be taken within the Stabilisation and Association Council

established between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the rules of procedure of

this Stabilisation and Association Council.

FISHERIES

Partnership agreement between EU and Cape Verde - Conclusion of the protocol

The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of the protocol setting out the fishing

opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the fisheries partnership agreement

(FPA) between the EU and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/14).

The FPA in the fisheries sector between the EU and Cape Verde was concluded in 2006 and is a

tuna fishery agreement. Following the negotiations, a new protocol to the FPA was signed by the

Council and Cape Verde on 23 December 2014. In order to allow EU vessels to carry out fishing

activities, the new protocol had applied on a provisional basis since that date, pending the

completion of the procedures for its formal conclusion. The new protocol is established for a period

of four years. The European Parliament gave its consent on the conclusion of this protocol on 9

September 2015.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3412 (beskæftigelse, socialpolitik, sundhed og forbrugerbeskyttelse) den 5. oktober 2015. - Bilag 1336079:

5 October 2015

Partnership agreement between EU and Madagascar - Conclusion of the protocol

The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of the protocol setting out the fishing

opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the FPA between the EU and the

Republic of Madagascar (15225/14).

The FPA in the fisheries sector between the EU and Madagascar was concluded in 2007 and is a

tuna fishery agreement. Following the negotiations, a new protocol to the FPA was signed by the

Council and Madagascar on 23 December 2014. In order to allow EU vessels to carry out fishing

activities, the new protocol had applied on a provisional basis since 1 January 2015, pending the

completion of the procedures for its formal conclusion. The new protocol is established for a period

of four years. The European Parliament gave its consent on the conclusion of this protocol on 9

September 2015.

Partnership agreement between EU and Guinea Bissau - Conclusion of the protocol

The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of the protocol setting out the fishing

opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the FPA between the EU and the

Republic of Guinea Bissau (11667/12).

The FPA in the fisheries sector between the EU and Guinea Bissau was concluded in 2007 and is a

multi-species agreement. Following the negotiations, a new protocol to the FPA was signed by the

Council and Guinea Bissau on 24 November 2014. In order to allow EU vessels to carry out fishing

activities, the new protocol had applied on a provisional basis since that date, pending the

completion of the procedures for its formal conclusion. The new protocol is established for a period

of three years. The European Parliament gave its consent on the conclusion of this protocol on 9

September 2015.

TRANSPARENCY

Public access to documents

On 5 October 2015, the Council approved:

–

the replies to confirmatory applications No 17/c/01/15 (

11232/15),

No 19/c/02/15

(11686/15) and No 20/c/03/15 (11689/15).

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