SGI Europe addresses the Informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers under the Cyprus Presidency

On 12–13 February 2026, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU hosted the Informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO), bringing together Member States, the European Commission, and social partners. The meeting focused on key social policy challenges, including “Fair Employment for Social Justice” and a “Person-Centered Long-Term Care as a Driver of Active Ageing”.

During the discussions on fair employment for social justice, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, highlighted:

“The real challenge today is delivery. Fair employment will not be achieved by adding new layers of complexity, but by making existing frameworks work better on the ground to address implementation gaps.”

“One key layer is access to essential services. Across Europe, labour shortages coexist with people willing to work. When access to SGIs is missing, participation in the labour market becomes fragile. Fair employment requires stronger social investment in participation, productivity and territorial cohesion.”

“Social dialogue is essential to make this work. Effective involvement of social partners helps adapt solutions to sectoral and territorial realities. It supports fairness without relying on one-size-fits-all approaches.”

Representing SGI Europe-Cyprus, Professor Constantinos Phellas, Senior Vice Rector at the University of Nicosia and Chair of the Cyprus National Committee on the Well-Being of Senior Citizens, contributed to the session on “Person-Centred Long-Term Care as a Driver of Active Ageing":

"At a time when ageism presents as endemic to our culture, and is all but entrenched in society’s thinking, SGI Europe dedicatedly works towards overcoming this challenge, by moving from an ageing to a longevity society by empowering older citizens.

This is achieved by ensuring entire and equal involvement of older persons who want to stay active on the labour market and in political activities and having access to culture, justice, life-long learning, and digital literacy.”