20 June 2025
In the context of the SGI Day, SGI Europe will hold the final high-level conference of the Accessible Climate Conscious Essential Services (A.C.C.E.S.) project, taking place on Wednesday 25 June 2025, from 9:30 to 12:30, at the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels.
The project, implemented over two years by SGI Europe and A.C.C.E.S. project partners and now coming to an end, represents a key milestone in the joint efforts of SGI Europe and its partners to support the implementation of Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights: access to essential services of good quality for all.
The event will start with a video message from Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, a speech by Mario Nava, Director General at European Commission DG EMPL.
A dedicated session on the "Policy Pathways for Sustainable, Affordable and Accessible SGIs" will see the A.C.C.E.S. project experts present the main key findings and challenges identified during the project implementation. A second panel will be the occasion to gather political insight from MEP Idoia Mendia, member of the European Parliament EMPL Committee, Sophia Reseicker, Rapporteur on the EESC own-initiative opinion on the New Action Plan on the EPSR, and Mira-Maria Danisman, EEC Group I member who worked on the opinion.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On 20 June, SGI Europe joins the international community in marking World Refugee Day 2025, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, fair and future-oriented labour markets. With Europe facing persistent labour and skills shortages, enabling refugees to access quality employment is not only a humanitarian obligation, but an economic necessity.
Through the ongoing LABOUR-INT 3 project, led by SGI Europe and funded by the European Commission’s DG HOME, we are taking concrete steps to translate EU-level integration commitments into practice. Among other actions, the project supports the recognition and matching of third-country nationals’ skills, it fosters cooperation between public services, employers, trade unions and local actors, and pilots tailored pathways to decent work in four pilot countries, namely Bulgaria, Italy, Poland and Slovenia.
By targeting over 800 beneficiaries and involving more than 100 stakeholders, and the set up of different expert groups including one on skills matching and on the recognition of qualifications, the LABOUR-INT 3 reiterated and demonstrates that multi-stakeholder cooperation is essential for sustainable integration outcomes.
On the eve of the European Partnership for Integration meeting between the European Commission, DG HOME and EU-level social and economic partners, SGI Europe reiterates the importance of coordinated action. The role of economic and social partners, including employers, is crucial to ensure the protection of migrant workers’ rights and to prevent labour market exploitation. Inclusive integration policies, based on early intervention and practical support, remain the most effective way to unlock refugee potential and strengthen Europe’s labour force.
For more information on the LABOUR-INT projects, please visit the project page here: http://www.labour-int.eu/
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On 13 June 2025, SGI Europe participated in the public hearing “The role of Cohesion Policy in addressing housing affordability challenges”, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) as part of its work on the forthcoming own-initiative opinion on Affordable housing – cohesion policy, urban agenda and civil society. SGI Europe contributed to the event in its capacity as a representative of the Employers’ Group and advisor on the opinion.
The hearing brought together representatives from local authorities, the European Commission, Eurofound, the EIB, FEANTSA, and other stakeholders to discuss how EU cohesion policy can better support access to affordable, quality, and sustainable housing. Speakers explored how strategic housing investments can stimulate regional economic development, enhance competitiveness, improve labour market efficiency, and reduce territorial disparities.
Key insights were presented from ESPON’s HouseForAll project, highlighting the spatial patterns of housing affordability across Europe and the importance of tailoring solutions to territorial realities. Eurofound previewed findings from an upcoming study showing the long-term social impacts of housing insecurity, including on fertility decisions. MEP Borja Gimenez Larraz, rapporteur of the special committee of the European Parliament on the Housing Crisis, also presented the preliminary findings stemming from the work of the committee. The EIB and the European Commission underlined the importance of cohesion policy funding and the need for strategic coordination between public and private financing to address persistent market failures.
Contact: Maxime Staelens
HOSPEEM, the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers' Association (and member of SGI Europe), and EPSU, the European Federation of Public Service Unions, signed the Joint Policy Orientation on Creating a Resilient Hospital and Health Sector after the COVID-19 Pandemic during the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting inn Brussels on 13 June 2025.
This negotiated process-oriented text sets common priorities for unions and employers and guides EU decision-makers on future legislation and funding.
In her speech, HOSPEEM Secretary General Marta Branca said: "Especially now that the EU places preparedness high on the agenda, it is important to recognise: funding healthcare is not a cost, but a long-term investment in our economy and society. Through the Joint Policy Orientation, we as Social partners are committing to a shared vision to help ensure that hospitals remain safe, adaptive, and sustainable workplaces capable of delivering high-quality care in any circumstance.”
For more details and the text of Joint Policy Orientation please visit HOSPEEM website.
Contact: Leonie Martin, Senior Policy Advisor
On 19 June, the EPSCO Council adopted its general approach on the proposed Directive to improve and enforce working conditions for trainees and tackle disguised employment relationships. SGI Europe takes note of the progress achieved and welcomes that the Council text maintains the balance between the directive’s objectives and the diversity of national systems.
We appreciate that the Council’s approach clarifies the dual scope of the directive improving the conditions of trainees in employment relationships, while tackling ‘false’ traineeships. Importantly, it excludes traineeships linked to education or active labour market policies from its scope, in line with SGI Europe’s call to respect subsidiarity and national regulatory frameworks.
We also acknowledge that no obligation is introduced for Member States to define a specific employment status for trainees, ensuring legal certainty and preserving national prerogatives. The Council’s recognition of the key role of social partners, and the possibility for them to implement the directive, aligns with SGI Europe’s longstanding position.
While some ambiguities remain, notably on the risk of confusion between trainees and regular workers, SGI Europe underlines the importance of continuing the dialogue in trilogues to ensure the final text preserves flexibility, legal clarity, and proportionate obligations on employers.
SGI Europe remains committed to promoting quality and genuine traineeships, based on a learning component and fair conditions, while avoiding overregulation that may limit opportunities for young people.
SGI Europe will continue engaging constructively as trilogues begin, expected shortly after the Parliament adopts its mandate.
Contact: Guillaume Afellat
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