The contribution of SGIs to the future of social Europe at the informal EPSCO of the Belgian presidency of the Council

On 11 and 12 January 2024, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU organised in Namur its first event: the Informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers, focusing on the future of social Europe and gathering EPSCO Ministers, European Commission and social partners. Amongst others, the meeting addressed the connection between the European Pillar of Social Rights and the EU strategic agenda, access to social services” and a stronger Social pillar for a stronger economic governance.

During the different sessions organised, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

On the EPSR: “To fulfil our tremendous ambitions in terms of long-term competitiveness, we need new tools to empower our social model to anticipate change. Stepping up our efforts to provide opportunities for up- and re-skilling will be crucial for the success of SGIs in the twin transition. The Pillar also identified the importance of services of general (economic) interest. We should now give a reinforced impetus to the implementation of the principles for access to housing, care, social and essential services.”

On access to social services: “The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the results of years of underinvestment in social services and healthcare. The balanced implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, which includes a social dimension, is essential for ensuring that social services are resilient to change.”

On social investment: “I want to thank the EMCO and SPC for their work and opinion, which highlights the positive impact of social investment policies on economic growth, productivity and competitiveness, and re-connects fiscal sustainability and upward social convergence. SGI Europe fully supports the approach developed in the informal working group on social investment, which led to a functional definition of social investment assessing social and employment policies based on their returns.”

Together with Michael De Gols, Vice-chair of SGI Europe’s Social Affairs Board, General Secretary Valeria Ronzitti exchanged views during a bilateral meeting with Belgian Vice Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne (in charge of also minister of economy and labour) and Christie Morreale, Vice-President of the Walloon government, in charge of Employment and Social Affairs. The discussion focused on the importance of social services employers’ participation in social dialogue and assessed how the Belgian presidency can help improve the situation across Europe.