SGI Europe addresses social dialogue and the need for social investment at the Madrid informal EPSCO

On Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July 2023, SGI Europe addressed the Informal meeting of employment and social affairs ministers (EPSCO), organised by the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU. The meeting focused on the need to strengthen social dialogue at both EU and national levels, develop care policies, measure social protection outcomes and boost investment in social infrastructures.

Addressing the different panels, SGI Europe General Secretary Valeria Ronzitti said:

“The quality of the social partners’ consultations can be greatly improved if the issues we would be ready to negotiate upon can be identified ahead of the presentation of the Commission Work Programmes. Social dialogue would also greatly benefit from more targeted EU funding to support capacity-building, emphasising projects supporting the implementation of autonomous social partner agreements.”

“The December 2022 Council Recommendation on long-term care emphasised the right challenges; it is now up to Member States to build on this recommendation to improve the accessibility and affordability of care services. Job creation, recruitment and retention in the sector are issues that require immediate and urgent responses, especially in light of new demographic trends.”

“SGI Europe has long advocated for a reform of the economic governance that leaves space for Member States to respond to social and economic challenges via public investment. We welcome the Commission’s proposal to move towards national medium-term fiscal-structural plans connecting country-specific debt pathways with commitments for reforms and investments that improve debt sustainability.

“Social investments make key contributions to the EU’s political objectives and the success of the twin transition. However, contrary to green investments, social investments are mostly the public sector’s responsibility. Facing an enormous investment gap, social investments must now be prioritised, alongside investments into the twin transition, as all will be crucial to improve the EU competitiveness, strengthen social resilience and smoothen the negative impact of the transitions.”