Informal meeting of the Ministers of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO)
Informal exchange of viewpoints between the Ministers of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs with a view to preparing the work of the Belgian Presidency of the EPSCO council. A meeting between the European Social Partners and the European Social Platform preceded this meeting of the Ministers.
The informal meeting of Ministers will focus on the EU 2020 strategy for employment and growth. It will report back on the European Council’s work on 17 June.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of the social dimension and employment in the construction of Europe, two dimensions that are inseparable from the treaties objectives, and particularly the development of a social economy with a competitive market, striving for full employment and social progress. The meeting will enable Ministers to consider the important steps needed to attain the objectives set out in the EU2020 Strategy.
The Ministers meeting will also be a platform for dialogue that will enable them to direct the work of the EPSCO Council and to reach agreement on concrete initiatives.
Programme for the informal EPSCO Council
7 July
- A meeting between Ministers of the Presidency Trio, the European Social Partners and the European Social Platform.
8 July
- Exchange of views on the employment issue. The President of the European Council will attend a Ministers lunch.
9 July
- Exchange of views on social issues and the fight against poverty.
More practical information can be found at the bottom of the page.
The detailed programme, photos and working documents for the event are available at www.werk.eutrio.be
Where
July 7: the press conference will take place in the Arenberg Room at the Egmont Palace, from 18.00 to 18.30.
July 8: the press conference of the Commission and the Presidency will take place in the Arenberg room at the Egmont Palace, from 17.00 to 17.30 (photo opportunity of the Ministers with Mr Herman Van Rompuy from 12.45 to 13.00).
July 9: the press conference will take place in the Arenberg Room at the Egmont Palace, from 13.30 to 14.00.
