Ref. Ares(2020)3555404 - 06/07/2020
Ref. Ares(2021)2649375 - 20/04/2021
ETUC stressed the need for quality aspects (e.g. working conditions, making
sure apprentices are paid) as well as ensuring a role of social dialogue and
collective bargaining in VET reforms.
BusinessEurope praised the initial joint
work conducted by social partners, which allowed for a straightforward process
leading to the recommendation.
SMEunited stressed the importance of a good
follow-up and monitoring to the recommendation.
3.4 Presentation of the 2019 Employment and Social Developments in
Europe Report (ESDE)
presented the 2019 Employment and Social Developments in Europe Report
(ESDE) with a focus on “Sustainable growth for all: choices for the future of
social Europe”.
BusinessEurope emphasised that sustainability also needs to
encompass the EU’s role in the global context and asked how the Commission
will link the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to the Semester. Shortages
of skills and inactivity trends were suggested by BusinessEurope as topics for
future ESDE editions.
SMEunited mentioned as a key issue investment, in
particular with a view to a skilled workforce.
CEEP welcomed the sustainability
dimension and stressed the need to anticipate change and keep investment as
priority. While generally welcoming the report,
ETUC mentioned some key
concerns (e.g. childcare, the increase of poverty and situation of middle class
workers) and stressed the role of collective bargaining.
B. Kauffmann indicated
that how exactly the guidance of the President-elect on integration of the SDGs
in the Semester and on the Pillar Action Plan would be taken up is still being
discussed. But that it was clear that various interlinkages would have to be
taken into account.
4. Information by the social partners
The Social Partners informed the Commission about the following items:
a) Negotiations of an autonomous agreement on digitalization; b) SDC sub-
group on capacity building; c) Update on Integrated projects.
5. AOB: Presentation of CEDEFOP’s big data project on real time labour
market information
The Commission
presented CEDEFOP’s real time labour market and skills intelligence using big
data.
SMEunited stressed that skills needs are of crucial importance and saw
some overlaps with information provided by Europass and EURES.
BusinessEurope mentioned the cross-industry work on skills and innovation.
ETUC referred to an added value when used for career guidance.
3
Electronically signed on 06/07/2020 19:13 (UTC+02) in accordance with article 4.2 (Validity of electronic documents) of Commission Decision 2004/563