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

On 14–15 July 2025, the Danish 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 fair labour mobility and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in the context of skills shortages and the twin transitions.

During the discussions, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, highlighted:

"Fair mobility must remain a positive choice, not a necessity. Stronger enforcement is essential to prevent abuses in subcontracting and letterbox companies, but it should remain targeted and proportionate. We support voluntary digital tools to improve compliance, provided they come with clear guidance and do not create new burdens. To anticipate challenges, we propose establishing a European Observatory on Labour Mobility and Territorial Cohesion, with the aim of brining to life a “Freedom to Stay” that would combine competitivness with social and territorial cohesion.”

Representing Local Government Denmark (KL, member of SGI Europe), Martin Steen Kabongo, Head of Division for Collective Agreement, contributed to the session on competitiveness:

"Services of general interest face critical skills shortages that risk undermining Europe’s competitiveness. We need practical measures: regional skills hubs, simpler access to EU funding, and faster permitting procedures to accelerate investment. Simplification and clear guidance are essential so smaller providers can focus on delivering quality services.”