SGI Europe addresses the integration of Ukrainian refugees and the cost-of-living crisis at the informal EPSCO

On the 13 and 14 October 2022, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, joined the informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers (EPSCO) held in Prague. The topics addressed the integration of Ukrainian refugees into European labour markets and the impact of raising energy prices and goods on the social situation across the EU.

Addressing the integration of Ukrainian refugees in the EU, Valeria Ronzitti said:

“More than ever, we need well-functioning essential services and swift labour market policies to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees. SGI enterprises, both as employers and as providers of services, have done an exceptional job in welcoming refugees since February.

“With the conflict entering winter, there is an urgent need to provide Ukrainian refugees with a long-term perspective to enter EU labour markets, especially to support sectors facing labour shortages. The newly-presented EU Talent Pool Pilot should help in that endeavour.”

On the second day, Ministers and social partners discussed the socioeconomic effects of the current crisis. Considering the high inflation, energy scarcity, and looming uncertainty over the duration of the war, Ms Valeria Ronzitti called for a common approach with EU solutions:

“SGI providers are between two fires in this crisis: they depend on suppliers while facing delivery obligations to their customers. We call for strong and immediate support to SGIs facing severe liquidity risks in sectors with high energy needs, such as local energy utilities, public transport, water supply and social housing.”

“The situation calls now for fair short-term measures to provide immediate support and relief to the most vulnerable while maintaining the long-term objectives of the EU Green Deal as the path to a more sustainable future: the financial effort Europe and Member States will have to deploy today is the cost of non-action in this field till yesterday. SGI Europe calls for a quick and clear adjustment of financial aid to enterprises by extending and broadening the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework.”

“We welcome the developments in minimum income schemes, which should help mitigate the effects of the continued cost-of-living crisis. In parallel, the EU should think of an instrument along the lines of SURE while adapting it to the current situation that would not simply call for supporting Member States’ short-term work schemes.”