SGI Europe addresses the skills challenge and the demographic transition at the informal EPSCO of the Swedish presidency of the EU

On 4 May 2023, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, and Robert Johansson, member of SGI Europe Sweden's board and the negotiating delegation of the Swedish Association of Localities and Regions (SALAR), joined the informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers (informal EPSCO) held in Stockholm. The topics addressed the skills challenges and the demographic transition. 

During the meeting, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

“Labour and skills shortages are a key concern of employers of services of general interest. Skills obsolescence, in times of rapid technological changes, could endanger the just transition that we are all calling for. To achieve our objectives, we will need effective investments and reforms that support the development of equitable and sustainable education systems as key priorities in every Member State.”

“Reinforcing EU social protection systems is not only crucial to address the social consequences of the cost-of-living crisis but also to prepare for the still-to-come impact of demographic ageing. We need a renewed focus on developing active ageing policies at the workplace level and improving the availability, accessibility and overall quality of long-term care services. Member states should step up and devise new measures that respond to the issues identified in the Council Recommendation on access to long-term care services.”

Representing SALAR at the meeting, Robert Johansson commented:

“Skills supply is the municipalities' and regions' most prioritised issue. SALAR has several good examples of how skills supply can be stimulated, such as our collective agreement on skills and transition. This agreement provides opportunities for education and training, which strengthens the employee's employability and their opportunities to remain attractive in the labour market."