EU Ministers responsible for employment back the aim to systematically take into account the wellbeing perspective when designing policy measures.
Economy of Wellbeing is one of the main priorities of Finland’s presidency. With the concept, the Finnish presidency wants to make the point that people’s wellbeing – including social protection, gender equality, health care and education & training – and economic growth are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The concept requests a policy shift away from a GDP-based focus towards those areas supporting people’s wellbeing.
During the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), ministers adopted Council conclusions on the Economy of Wellbeing, in which accessible education and training is a priority. Compared to previous drafts, there is a strengthened focus on lifelong learning. EU Member States are e.g. invited to “promote comprehensive, life-long learning policies as well as skills and competence development throughout life”. The conclusions also invite the EU Member States and the European Commission (EC) to promote digital inclusion and promote high quality early childhood education and care. In addition, the EC is asked to propose a Communication addressing the Economy of Wellbeing as well as to promote European cooperation in education and training.
Besides adopting Conclusions on “The Future of Work: the European Union promoting the ILO Centenary Declaration”, EU Ministers discussed the matching of skills and labour market needs based on an input paper by the Finnish presidency. Ministers and the EC broadly agreed that member states, companies and citizens have a shared responsibility to improve skills and that a modern strategy for lifelong learning is needed. As next steps, the Finnish presidency will prepare a summary note to the next European Commission. The EU Education Ministers will adopt Conclusions on fostering lifelong learning during the Education Council meeting on 8 November.