This is the first meeting of Ministers of Labour under the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on 1 July this year.

“We are not going to leave anyone behind” – this slogan of the dual – green and digital – transition of the EU is the focus of the Polish delegation's discussions held at the informal meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Policy, inaugurating the social agenda of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

“We believe that establishing even more dynamic economy with a robust and inclusive labour market requires us to, first and foremost, intensify activation efforts and equip people with the skills to navigate a labour market transformed in the dual transition.”

– says the Deputy Prime Minister of the MEDLT.

Polish economy has one of the lowest unemployment levels in the EU

During the session held on Thursday, Deputy Minister Marek Niedużak presented Polish achievements in establishing a labour market resilient to the effects of transformation and making optimal use of human capital. Compared to other EU countries, the Polish economy and the Polish labour market emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic quite well.

In 2020, Poland's GDP decreased by 2.7%, significantly less than the EU average, and Polish unemployment in May 2021 was one of the lowest in the EU at 3.8%. These are the outcomes, among others, of the structure of the Polish economy, with a growing share of industry, and of the support provided to entrepreneurs during the lockdown, which made it possible to save several million jobs. 

Labour market reform – one of the priorities for rebuilding the economy after Covid-19

Minister Niedużak also presented the Polish government's plans in the area of labour market policy. A comprehensive reform of public employment services is being prepared and legal changes are being introduced to make working time and organisation more flexible while maintaining social protection standards. 

The “Polish New Deal” programme recognises the family and home as the centre of life, and supports honest and decent work, promising to close the gender pay gap, among others. The European Recovery Plan is an important support for these plans.

The EU ministerial meeting was held in combination with a meeting between EU ministers and employment and social policy ministers from the aspiring Western Balkan countries. The labour market situation of young people in a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was the key issue raised during this session.

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO)

EPSCO aims to raise employment levels and improve living and working conditions, while ensuring a high level of health and consumer protection in the EU.

EPSCO brings together ministers responsible for employment, social affairs, health and consumer policy from all EU countries. The appropriate European Commissioners also participate in the meetings.