Crucial social policy and employment issues will be discussed during the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO), which is taking place in Nicosia on Thursday and Friday, 12 and 13 February, according to an announcement by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.
It is noted that on Thursday afternoon, the Ministers will take part in a cultural event in Larnaca, while the main part of the meeting will take place tomorrow, Friday, in Nicosia.
“The European ministers will discuss crucial social policy and employment issues,” it said.
“Regarding the Social Pillar, the meeting is expected to strengthen the dialogue on social cohesion, the eradication of poverty in Europe and the strengthening of Long-Term Care and active ageing, contributing to the formulation of policies that promote the well-being of citizens in the European Union,” it said.
Discussions in the afternoon session will focus on the first-ever European Anti-Poverty Strategy aiming to strengthen social protection policies in the EU, address social inequalities and promote social inclusion, as well as the cooperation of Member States for the implementation of the strategy, it is added.
Furthermore, it said, in the session on Person-Centered Long-Term Care as a Driver of Active Ageing, the need to transition to care systems that enhance the autonomy, social inclusion and quality of life of the elderly will be highlighted, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
The meeting will conclude with a press conference featuring the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, and the Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu.
(Source: CNA)
