Highlights of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and Social Policy issues) of 21 June 2018, in Luxembourg.

Main results

Employment and social policy - 21 June

Coordination of social security systems

The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the coordination of social security systems (revision of regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009).

The draft amending regulation focuses on five areas: unemployment benefits, long-term care benefits, access to benefits for economically inactive persons, family benefits and applicable legislation for posted workers and persons working in two or more member states. It also includes a number of other smaller amendments.

On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.

The coordination of social security systems plays a key role in ensuring that the free movement of people works in practice. This update of the rules will make them clearer, fairer and easier to enforce. Biser Petkov, Minister for Labour and Social Policies of Bulgaria

Work-life balance for parents and carers

The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on work-life balance for parents and carers.

The aim of this proposal is to improve access to work-life balance arrangements, such as leave and flexible working arrangements for parents and carers. It should boost the take-up of family-related leave by men, which will help increase female labour market participation.

On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.

Transparent and predictable working conditions

The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on transparent and predictable working conditions. This draft directive addresses challenges brought by developments in the world of work, including growing flexibilisation of the labour market.

On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.

Posting of workers

The Council adopted the revision of the posting of workers directive. The directive aims at ensuring fair wages and a level playing field between posting and local companies in the host country whilst maintaining the principle of free movement of services.

Highlights of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), of 22 June 2018, in Luxembourg.

The future of health in the EU

Ministers discussed the future of health in the EU. Member states highlighted that EU action aiming at promoting health is particularly useful when there is a cross-border dimension or when it facilitates improving national measures based on exchange of best practices. They outlined various areas where EU cooperation can be beneficial for Member States such as exchange of best practices in the areas of prevention and non-communicable diseases, cross-border health threats, patients’ safety, AMR, eHealth, research, and cooperation between specialised centres or voluntary cooperation between groups of member states on issues which are important to them.

The EU needs more visibility for those policies that bring direct benefits to people: health policy is among them. Today’s discussion highlighted those areas where cooperation at European level can bring added value. We also outlined a framework for future action: health care policy driven by Member states, focused on a framework that benefits people and guarantees the quality of life on our continent. Kiril Ananiev, minister for health of Bulgaria

Health - 22 June

Health technology assessment

Ministers held a debate on the proposed regulation on health technology assessment, providing guidance on possible ways to improve the current cooperation. The discussion focused on the choice between a mandatory approach and a more voluntary approach with greater flexibility for Member states. The Presidency concluded that the debate indicated prevailing preference for a voluntary approach, which would require discussions on alternative solutions, and indicated that discussions in the Council will take time.

Conclusions on "healthy nutrition for children: the healthy future of Europe"

The Council adopted conclusions on 'Healthy nutrition for children: The healthy future of Europe'.

Bearing in mind that an unhealthy diet is one (avoidable) risk factor behind serious chronic diseases, the conclusions focus on promotion of healthier diets for children, as one of the best investments for a young European generation in good health.

Regulation 726/2004 as part of the Veterinary package

Minister Ananiev also highlighted the successful end of the negotiation on the amendments to Regulation 726/2004 as part of the Veterinary package. The dossier was a priority for the Bulgarian presidency. The agreement contains a number of changes such as the adoption of the fees for the European Medicines Agency by ordinary legislative procedure, clear emphasis on the need for a one-health-approach on AMR, as well as simultaneous Lisbonisation of provisions in related legislation.