amendment list
Amendment 001-033 - Li Andersson - Report A10-0260/2026 - Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
A-10-2026-0260-AM-001-033
14.10.2026 A10-0260/ 001-033
AMENDMENTS 001-033
by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
Report
Li Andersson A10-0260/2026
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
Proposal for a decision (COM(2026)0510 – C10-0153/2026 – 2026/0137(NLE))
_____________________________________________________________
Amendment 1
Proposal for a decision
Recital -1 (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (-1) The European Parliament welcomes the Commission's proposal for fully updated employment guidelines for the Member States, in particular its focus on job quality, education and skills, new technologies, artificial intelligence and algorithmic management, poverty reduction, affordable housing and tackling labour and skills shortages. The European Parliament, with a view to strengthening democratic decision-making, reiterates its call to be involved in setting the Integrated Guidelines at Union level on an equal footing with the Council, in line with its legislative resolutions of 8 July 20151a, 19 April 20181b, 10 July 20201c, 18 October 20221d, 23 October 20241e and 8 October 20251f on the relevant proposals for Council decisions on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. | |
| 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0201 (OJ C 265, 11.8.2017, p. 201). | |
| 1b Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0181 (OJ C 390, 18.11.2019, p. 196). | |
| 1c Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0194 (OJ 371, 15.9.2021, p. 134). | |
| 1d Texts adopted, P9_TA(2022)0359 (OJ 149, 28.4.2023, p. 62). | |
| 1e Texts adopted, P10_TA(2024)0027 (OJ C, C/2025/493, 29.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/493/oj). | |
| 1f Texts adopted, P10_TA(2025)0217 (OJ C, C/2026/1548, 15.4.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1548/oj). |
Amendment 2
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and in particular for the promotion of a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as inclusive and resilient labour markets, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, and balanced economic growth laid down in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Member States are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and to coordinate their action in that respect within the Council. | (1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and in particular for the promotion of quality employment and improving working conditions, a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as inclusive and resilient labour markets, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, balanced economic growth and a highly competitive social market economy, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment laid down in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Member States are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and to coordinate their action in that respect within the Council. |
Amendment 3
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination, and to promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child as laid down in Article 3 TEU. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health as laid down in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). | (2) The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination, promote social justice and protection and equality between women and men, close the gender pay and pension gaps, and foster solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child as laid down in Article 3 TEU. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health and dignity, as laid down in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Access to decent, sustainable and affordable housing, including through public and social housing, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities and social inclusion. |
Amendment 4
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) In accordance with the TFEU, the Union has developed and implemented an integrated policy coordination framework for economic and employment policies in the context of the European Semester (4 ). The European Semester is aligned with the Competitiveness Compass, which provides a framework to boost competitiveness by closing the innovation gap, decarbonising our economy, reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security. The Compass identifies skills, quality jobs and social fairness among the horizontal enablers. The European Semester also integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in November 2017 (5 ). It relies on the Social Scoreboard as its monitoring tool. The Social Scoreboard also provides the basis for an analysis of risks and challenges to upward social convergence in the Union, in the framework of the Social Convergence Framework (6 ). The European Semester provides for strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. The Semester is also complemented by the Digital Decade Policy Programme governance and recommendations. | (3) In accordance with the TFEU, the Union has developed and implemented an integrated policy coordination framework for economic and employment policies in the context of the European Semester (4). The European Semester is aligned with the Competitiveness Compass, which provides a framework to boost competitiveness by closing the innovation gap, decarbonising our economy, reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security. The Compass identifies skills, quality jobs and social fairness among the horizontal enablers, which are essential to achieving the Compass’s three pillars and addressing skills and labour shortages hampering growth4a. The European Semester also integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in November 2017 (5). It relies on the Social Scoreboard as its monitoring tool. The Social Scoreboard also provides the basis for an analysis of risks and challenges to upward social convergence in the Union, in the framework of the Social Convergence Framework (6). The European Semester provides for strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders, and supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. The Semester is also complemented by the Digital Decade Policy Programme governance and recommendations. |
| 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 (OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1263/oj). | 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 (OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1263/oj). |
| 4a Draghi, Mario, “The future of European competitiveness” (2025); Letta, Enrico “Much more than a market” (2024). | |
| 5 Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). | 5 Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). |
| 6 See Art. 3(3)b and recital 8 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024. | 6 See Art. 3(3)b and recital 8 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024. |
Amendment 5
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) As part of this framework, the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (the ‘Employment Guidelines’), set out in the Annex to this Decision, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union, set out in Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 (7 ), form the Integrated Guidelines. The Employment Guidelines are to guide policy implementation in the Member States and in the Union, reflecting the interdependence between the Member States. The resulting set of coordinated Union and national policies constitutes an appropriate economic, employment and social policy mix. It should achieve positive spill-over effects for labour markets and society at large, strengthen economic and social resilience, and effectively respond to medium- and longer-term challenges, including the need to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and productivity and the Union’s strategic autonomy. The economic and employment policies of the Union and the Member States should go hand in hand with the Union’s fair transition to a climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable and digitally sovereign economy. | (4) As part of this framework, the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (the ‘Employment Guidelines’), set out in the Annex to this Decision, together with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union, set out in Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 (7), form the Integrated Guidelines. The Employment Guidelines are to guide policy implementation in the Member States and in the Union, reflecting the interdependence between the Member States in full compliance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The resulting set of coordinated Union and national policies constitutes an appropriate economic, employment and social policy mix, strengthening the Union’s competitiveness by supporting human capital development through lifelong learning, vocational education and training, and targeted training and reskilling initiatives, while promoting the development of both technical and transversal skills and encouraging a culture of continuous learning and adaptability in response to the Union’s economic, technological and security challenges, and to the current and emerging economic needs. The Union of Skills aims to support the development of quality, inclusive and adaptable education and the portability of skills needed to guarantee effective labour mobility. It should achieve positive spill-over effects for labour markets and society at large, strengthen economic and social resilience as well as job quality, and effectively respond to medium- and longer-term challenges, including the need to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and productivity and the Union’s strategic autonomy. The economic and employment policies of the Union and the Member States should go hand in hand with the Union’s fair transition to a climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive and digitally sovereign economy and ensure decent working conditions, promote democracy at work, social dialogue and collective bargaining, social justice, equal opportunities and upward social convergence. They should also tackle inequalities, eradicate poverty and fight social exclusion. |
| 7 Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27). | 7 Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27). |
Amendment 6
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) The Employment Guidelines are consistent with the revised economic governance framework of the Union, which entered into force on 30 April 2024 (8 ), and with existing Union legislation and Union initiatives. These include inter alia the Commission Communications on the Union of Skills, of 5 March 2025 (9 ), and on the European Union’s Anti-Poverty Strategy: addressing and preventing poverty from childhood to old age, of 6 May 2026, and the Council Recommendation on Human Capital in the European Union of 9 March 2026. | (5) The Employment Guidelines are consistent with the revised economic governance framework, the Social Convergence Framework and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Union headline targets for 2030. They are consistent with existing Union legislation and Union initiatives. These include inter alia the Commission Communications on the Union of Skills, of 5 March 2025 (9), on a Quality Jobs Roadmap of 4 December 2025, and on the European Union’s Anti-Poverty Strategy: addressing and preventing poverty from childhood to old age, and on Breaking the intergenerational cycle of child poverty: strengthening the European Child Guarantee, of 6 May 2026, as well as the Council Recommendations on Human Capital in the European Union of 9 March 2026, and on the European Pillar of Social Rights of 22 July 2026. |
| 8 Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 (OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1263/oj). | 8 Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 (OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1263/oj). |
| 9 COM(2025) 90 final. | 9 COM(2025) 90 final. |
Amendment 7
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) The European Pillar of Social Rights sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems. They are structured around equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion. These principles and rights give strategic direction to the Union. The European Pillar of Social Rights, with its accompanying Social Scoreboard, also constitutes guidance to monitor the employment, skills and social performance of Member States and upward social convergence in the Union, in the European Semester. The Pillar drives reforms and investments at national, regional and local levels, allowing to reconcile the ‘social’ and the ‘market’ in today’s modern economy. | (6) The European Pillar of Social Rights acts as the Union’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of rapid transformations and challenges to protect and empower citizens. It sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems. They are structured around equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion. These principles and rights give strategic direction to the Union, guiding continued action in the employment and social policy field and ensuring that the transitions to climate-neutrality, environmental sustainability and digitalisation are socially fair and just and contribute to social and territorial cohesion. The European Pillar of Social Rights, with its accompanying Social Scoreboard, also constitutes guidance to monitor the employment, skills and social performance of Member States and upward social convergence in the Union, in the European Semester. The Pillar drives reforms and investments at national, regional and local levels, supporting a competitive social market economy in today’s modern economy, including by promoting the social economy. |
Amendment 8
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This included ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (at least 78% of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (at least 60% of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’). It also included complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. The Union headline targets for 2030 were welcomed by the Heads of State or Government at the Porto Social Summit of May 2021 and by the June 2021 European Council. They support, together with the Social Scoreboard, the monitoring of progress towards the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the European Semester. Against this background, Member States also set ambitious national targets which, taking due account of the starting position of each Member State, constitute an adequate contribution to the achievement of the three Union headline targets for 2030. | (7) On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This included ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (at least 78% of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (at least 60% of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’). It also included complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. As recognised by the Heads of State or Government at the Porto Social Summit on 8 May 2021, the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights will strengthen the Union’s drive towards a digital, green and fair transition and contribute to achieving upward social and economic convergence and addressing demographic challenges. The Heads of State or Government stressed that the social dimension, social dialogue and the active involvement of social partners are at the core of a highly competitive social market economy. The Union headline targets for 2030 were welcomed by the Heads of State or Government at the Porto Social Summit of May 2021 and by the June 2021 European Council. They support, together with the Social Scoreboard, the monitoring of progress towards the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the European Semester. Against this background, Member States also set ambitious national targets which, taking due account of the starting position of each Member State, constitute an adequate contribution to the achievement of the three Union headline targets for 2030. |
Amendment 9
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) The Integrated Guidelines serve as a basis for the country-specific recommendations addressed by the Council to Member States under the European Semester. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society. Labour market and social reforms should observe national practices of social dialogue and collective bargaining, as well as the autonomy of social partners. The importance of social dialogue in tackling challenges in the world of work was reaffirmed at the 2024 Val Duchesse Summit and in the Pact for European Social Dialogue signed in March 2025. | (9) The Integrated Guidelines serve as a basis for the country-specific recommendations addressed by the Council to Member States under the European Semester. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as social partners and representatives of civil society. Labour market and social reforms should fully respect national practices of social dialogue and collective bargaining, as well as the autonomy of social partners. The importance of social dialogue in tackling challenges in the world of work was reaffirmed at the 2024 Val Duchesse Summit and in the Pact for European Social Dialogue signed in March 2025. Member States should ensure the transposition and effective implementation of the Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and prepare and implement collective-bargaining action plans where required by Article 4 of that Directive as well as the complete transposition and implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council1b. Such implementation should take into account national, regional and sectoral labour-market conditions, including persistent shortages and surpluses, demographic challenges, braindrain and the specific needs of SMEs. |
| 1a Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union (OJ L 275, 25.10.2022, pp. 33). 1b Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms (OJ L 132, 17.5.2023, p. 21). |
Amendment 10
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Member States should make full use of available EU funding, in particular the European Social Fund Plus and the Social Climate Fund, to foster quality employment and skills, fight against poverty and support employment and social reforms and investments. This includes fighting social exclusion, combatting discrimination, ensuring accessibility and inclusion, and promoting upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the workforce, lifelong learning and high-quality education and training for all. For the funding period post-2027, the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) will continue promoting and strengthening integrated efforts in these areas. The Employment Guidelines should inform the programming of the NRPPs. In the context of the overarching decarbonisation objectives of the Union, the Social Climate Fund (10 ) will be key in addressing the needs of vulnerable households, vulnerable transport users and vulnerable micro-enterprises. | (10) Member States should make full use of available EU funding, in particular the European Social Fund Plus and the Social Climate Fund, Just Transition Fund and the future MFF, to foster quality employment and skills, help fight poverty and support employment and social reforms and investments. This includes fighting social exclusion, combatting discrimination, ensuring accessibility and inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities and marginalised groups such as Roma, and promoting upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the workforce, lifelong learning and high-quality education and training for all. Investment in skills should take account of identified labour-market needs and structural shortages and support high-quality vocational education and training, apprenticeships and effective transitions into employment. Union funding should also support measures to adapt workplaces and working conditions to climate-related risks. Climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods and other climate-related hazards, such as wildfires, are already affecting working conditions, workers’ health and safety, well-being and productivity. For the funding period post-2027, the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), in particular the European Social Fund and the Competitiveness Fund, will continue promoting and strengthening integrated efforts in these areas. In the context of the overarching decarbonisation objectives of the Union, the Social Climate Fund (10) will be key in addressing the needs of vulnerable households, vulnerable transport users and vulnerable micro-enterprises. |
| 10 Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a Social Climate Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 1-51). | 10 Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a Social Climate Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 1-51). |
Amendment 11
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – subheading 1
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Guideline 5: Boosting the demand for labour | Guideline 5: Boosting quality job creation |
Amendment 12
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 1
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should promote a sustainable social market economy. They should facilitate and support investment and foster innovation-led growth and productivity growth for quality job creation, notably in the context of the digital, green and demographic transitions as well as growing security and defence needs, and in light of the Union and national employment headline targets for 2030. Member States should pursue integrated approaches reflecting the specific challenges and development potential of the different regions and territories. To these ends, they should reduce the barriers that businesses face in hiring people, including by reducing administrative burden, and in scaling up, and foster responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self-employment. Member States should promote the development of the social economy, including social enterprises. They should develop and implement related measures and strategies, foster social innovation and encourage business models that create quality job opportunities, particularly including for people that are furthest from the labour market or underrepresented. | Member States should actively promote a sustainable, social and highly competitive market economy. They should facilitate and support investment and foster innovation-led growth and productivity growth for sustainable quality job creation, notably in the context of the digital, green and demographic transitions as well as security, defence and strategic autonomy, and in light of the Union and national employment headline targets for 2030. If well anticipated and substantially funded, the transition towards sustainable, renewable and circular economies generates potential to create a significant number of new jobs and to transform existing employment into green and sustainable jobs in many sectors. Member States should pursue integrated approaches reflecting the specific challenges and development potential of the different regions and territories, including regions that are most affected by the digital, green and demographic transitions and face persistent gaps in employment opportunities, infrastructure and access to services relative to urban centres. To these ends, they should reduce unnecessary administrative burdens companies face in hiring people and scaling up, while fully respecting workers’ rights, social and environmental standards, and fostering responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self-employment. Member States should promote the development of the social economy, including social enterprises. They should develop and implement related measures and strategies, foster social innovation and encourage business models that create quality job opportunities and generate social welfare, particularly including for people that are furthest from the labour market or underrepresented. |
Amendment 13
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 2
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| To strengthen resilience in the face of possible shocks, well-designed short-time work schemes and similar arrangements can, together with targeted training, help workers to remain employed during temporary downturns and companies’ restructuring while facilitating the dynamic reallocation of labour in the economy. Well-designed hiring and transition incentives and upskilling and reskilling measures, developed in close cooperation with social partners, can also support structural transformations by facilitating restructuring processes and the reallocation of labour from declining sectors towards emerging ones. They can therefore help to modernise the economy, including via associated skills development. | To strengthen resilience in the face of possible economic, labour-market and climate-related shocks, well-designed short-time work schemes, such as the SURE programme, and similar arrangements can, together with targeted training, help workers to remain employed during temporary downturns and companies’ restructuring while facilitating the dynamic reallocation of labour in the economy. Well-designed hiring and transition incentives and upskilling and reskilling measures, lifelong learning and VET, developed in close cooperation with social partners, can also support structural transformations by facilitating restructuring processes and the reallocation of labour from declining sectors towards emerging ones, while safeguarding employment, wages, working conditions and acquired rights. They can therefore help to preserve employment and to modernise the economy, including via associated skills development. Employment-protection instruments modelled on SURE and Just Transition funding should be reinforced. Proactive employment support should cover transferable upskilling and reskilling and job-to-job transitions. |
Amendment 14
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 3
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Taxation should be shifted away from labour towards other sources more supportive of growth as well as climate and environmental objectives, while encouraging women’s labour market participation, and protecting revenue for adequate social protection and growth-enhancing expenditure. A highly competitive and innovative economy, adequate earnings and fair wages and good working conditions should be pursued as key elements for ensuring job quality, which, together with skills development, career progression and job security, create a virtuous cycle of personal empowerment, productivity and economic growth. Member States should promote collective bargaining on wage setting. Respecting national practices and the autonomy of social partners, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers have adequate wages by benefitting from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, quality job creation, purchasing power and in-work poverty. | National taxation should be supportive of job creation while ensuring that tax systems are progressive, and in line with climate and environmental objectives. Any tax reform should increase the redistributive effect of the tax system, while protecting revenue for public investment, in particular quality public services, social protection and sustainable growth enhancing expenditure. Joint taxation schemes that may discourage secondary earners from participating actively in the labour market should be reformed in order to ensure that national tax policies support gender equality and women’s broader participation in the labour market. Member States, in line with national practices, should address and, if necessary, exclude from public contracts primary contractors and subcontractors and their subsidiaries that engage in unfair competition, for instance by committing tax fraud, participating in criminal activity or not respecting workers’ and trade union rights, including the right to collective bargaining. A highly competitive and innovative economy, adequate earnings and fair wages and good working conditions should be pursued as key elements for ensuring job quality, which, together with skills development, career progression and job security, create a virtuous cycle of personal empowerment, productivity and sustainable economic growth. Member States should invest in the care economy, including childcare, long-term care and disability support services, recognising its role both in enabling women's labour market participation and in creating quality jobs, and should address the undervaluation and poor working conditions that characterise female-dominated care and service sectors. Member States should promote collective bargaining on wage setting and ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner, allowing for adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments, inflation and the cost of living, and fostering fair wages that enable a decent standard of living, paying particular attention to lower and middle income groups with a view to strengthening upward socio-economic convergence. Respecting national practices and the autonomy of social partners, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers have adequate wages by benefitting from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, quality job creation, purchasing power and in-work poverty. |
Amendment 15
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 4
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In the context of the digital and green transitions, demographic change, and geopolitical shifts, and the growing importance of security and defence, together with the related need for greater strategic autonomy of the Union, including with regards to technological sovereignty, Member States should promote competitiveness, productivity, employability and human capital development. To this end, they should foster the acquisition of skills and competences in line with labour market needs, focusing on strategic sectors and value chains identified in Union and national industrial policy. They should address skills and labour shortages, including through better and timelier skills intelligence, also in light of the Union and national skills headline targets for 2030. Member States should also modernise and invest in their education and training systems, also in rural and remote areas, and including related infrastructure, to provide high quality, accessible and inclusive education and training, and stimulate increased upskilling and reskilling. This should also ensure that the workforce has the right skills to develop and deploy solutions in view of the fast-changing deep tech development. Member States should work together with social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in their education and training systems. | In the context of the digital and green transitions, demographic change, persisting inequalities and geopolitical shifts, and the importance of security and defence, together with the related need for greater strategic autonomy of the Union, including with regards to technological sovereignty, Member States should promote sustainability, inclusiveness, competitiveness, productivity, employability and the acquisition of skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to current and future labour market needs. They should address skills and labour shortages, including through better and timelier skills intelligence, also in light of the Union and national skills headline targets for 2030. Member States should also modernise and invest in their education, and training systems, also in rural and remote areas, and including related infrastructure, such as VET centres aligned with the regional economies, to provide high quality, accessible and inclusive education and training, and stimulate increased upskilling and reskilling. This should also ensure that the workforce has the right skills to develop and deploy solutions in view of the fast-changing deep tech and clean industry development. Member States should work together with social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in their education and training systems and, in particular, support SMEs to recruit, train and retain qualified workers. Decent working conditions - including fair wages, standard employment contracts, social protection, lifelong learning, occupational safety and health, work-life balance, reasonable working time, workers' representation, democracy at work and collective bargaining - are crucial to attracting and retaining skilled workers. |
Amendment 16
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 5
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Particular attention should be paid to addressing the decline in the educational performance of young people, especially in basic skills (literacy, mathematics, science, digital and citizenship skills), including with targeted support for disadvantaged groups. Action is needed to address the challenges faced by the teaching profession, including its attractiveness and working conditions, tackling teacher shortages, and investing in teachers’ and trainers’ digital skills and competences. To lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life, education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, such as basic and digital skills, including artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, as well as transversal competences, entrepreneurship skills and critical thinking in light of the threat of disinformation. | Particular attention should be paid to addressing any decline in the educational performance of young people, especially in basic skills (literacy, mathematics, science, digital and citizenship skills), including with targeted support for disadvantaged groups. Action is needed to address the challenges faced by the teaching profession, including its attractiveness and working conditions, tackling teacher shortages, and investing in teachers’ and trainers’ digital skills and competences. To lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life, education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, such as basic and digital skills, including artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, as well as transversal competences, entrepreneurship skills and critical thinking in light of the threat of disinformation as well as the core soft skills required. Such soft skills include creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, motivation and self-awareness, curiosity and lifelong learning, in recognition of the importance of workers’ ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces, self-efficacy, and working with others in teams. They should also ensure that learners are well informed about the full range of education and career pathways, including by raising awareness of VET as an attractive and high-quality pathway into the labour market. |
Amendment 17
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 6
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| To enhance employability and quality job creation and transitions, Member States should support working-age adults in accessing training and increase incentives and motivation to seek training, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts, reliable training quality assessments and micro-credentials. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs, in particular through continuous upskilling and reskilling and the provision of integrated career guidance and counselling. | To enhance employability and quality job creation and transitions, Member States should ensure an effective individual right to accessible, quality education and training during working time and at no cost to the worker. Such a right can include, where appropriate, individual learning accounts, reliable training quality assessments and micro-credentials. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs, in particular through continuous upskilling and reskilling and the provision of integrated career guidance and counselling. Member States should raise awareness, including among employers, of the importance of lifelong-learning-friendly work, and ensure that employment, skills, industrial and investment policies are mutually reinforcing and informed by reliable labour-market intelligence. They should also support the reallocation of workers towards sectors and occupations with stronger employment prospects, while taking into account regional and sectoral shortages and the specific challenges of rural, peripheral and less-developed regions affected by ageing, outward migration and a declining working-age population. Member States should ensure that all formal qualifications and credentials offer clear pathways for further studies or progression. |
Amendment 18
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 7
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training, including territorial disparities in access. Children should be provided with access to affordable and high quality early childhood education and care, in line with the “Barcelona targets” and the European Child Guarantee. Member States should raise overall qualification levels, reduce the number of early leavers from education and training, support equal access to education for children from disadvantaged groups and remote areas. They should also increase the attractiveness, quality and labour market relevance of vocational education and training (VET), support access to and completion of tertiary education, and increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates both in VET and in tertiary education, especially women. Top performance and excellence in educational outcomes should also be supported, given their role in fostering the future innovation potential of the Union and competitiveness. Member States should facilitate the transition from education to employment for young people through accessible and quality traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as counselling services, and increase participation of adults in learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and the least qualified. Member States should upgrade and increase the supply and uptake of flexible initial and continuing VET, and strengthen work-based learning in VET systems. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour market relevance of tertiary education and, where appropriate, research; improve skills intelligence; make skills and qualifications more visible and comparable, including those acquired abroad, and ensure a more consistent use of EU-wide classifications (i.e. ESCO); increase opportunities for validating and recognising skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training, and promote faster recognition of qualifications for Union and third-country nationals, while maintaining quality standards. | Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training, including territorial disparities in access, through high-quality, universal accessible and affordable education. Children, regardless of their families’ economic situation, should be provided with access to affordable and high quality early childhood education and care, in line with the “Barcelona targets” and the European Child Guarantee. Member States should raise overall qualification levels, reduce the number of early leavers from education and training, support equal access to education for children from disadvantaged groups and remote areas, including Roma children. They should also increase the attractiveness, quality and labour market relevance of vocational education and training (VET), promote VET as an equal and valued pathway alongside academic pathways within their education and training systems. They should also support access to and completion of tertiary education, and increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates both in VET and in tertiary education, especially women. Member States should take targeted action to close the gender gap in digital and AI skills and in STEM career pathways, from early education through to reskilling programmes. Top performance and excellence in educational outcomes should also be supported, given their role in fostering the future innovation potential of the Union and competitiveness. Member States should facilitate the transition from education to employment for young people through paid, accessible and quality traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as counselling, and increase participation of adults in learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with fewer opportunities to engage in learning. Quality traineeships should require a written agreement before the traineeship begins, specifying its duration, remuneration, learning objectives, rights and duties and mentoring arrangements. Trainees should receive fair remuneration, social protection and equal treatment. Member States should upgrade and increase the supply and uptake of flexible initial and continuing VET, and strengthen work-based learning in VET systems, while ensuring sufficient in-person teaching and adequate teacher-student ratios at VET institutions. Member States should support the development and strengthening of regional Centres of Vocational Excellence initiatives, including through cooperation between VET providers, enterprises, social partners, public authorities and other relevant stakeholders, as platforms for excellence, innovation, skills development and technology transfer. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour market relevance of tertiary education and, where appropriate, research; improve skills intelligence; make skills and qualifications more visible, transferable and comparable, including those acquired abroad, and ensure a more consistent use of EU-wide classifications (i.e. ESCO); increase opportunities for validating and recognising skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training, and promote faster recognition of qualifications for Union and third-country nationals, while maintaining quality standards. |
Amendment 19
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 8
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job searches, upskilling and reskilling and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessments of unemployed people and validation of prior work experience should be pursued as soon as possible, at the latest after 18 months of unemployment, with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long-term unemployment. Youth unemployment and the challenge of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) should continue to be addressed through prevention of early leaving from education and training and improvement of the school-to-work transition, alongside the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, notably by making an offer within 4 months for young people aged 15-29, to guarantee early intervention. | Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job searches, upskilling and reskilling and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups and people affected by the green and digital transitions. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessments of unemployed people and validation of prior work experience should be pursued as soon as possible, with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long-term unemployment. Youth unemployment and the challenge of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) should continue to be addressed through prevention of early leaving from education and training and improvement of the school-to-work transition, alongside the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, notably by making an offer within 4 months for young people aged 15-29, to guarantee early intervention, and by providing support for quality youth-employment opportunities. |
Amendment 20
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 9
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should aim to remove barriers and disincentives to, and provide incentives for, labour market participation, in particular for low-income earners, second earners (often women), older people, persons with disabilities, and those furthest from the labour market, including people with a migrant background and Roma. Member States should contribute to fostering labour supply and address shortages, notably through promoting adequate working conditions, ensuring that the design of tax and benefit systems encourages labour market participation, and that active labour market policies are effective and accessible, respecting the role of social partners. Member States should also support a work environment adapted for persons with disabilities, offering quality non-segregated employment and career progression, including through targeted financial and technical support, information and awareness raising, and services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society. | Member States should remove barriers and disincentives to, and provide incentives for, labour market participation, in particular for low-income earners, second earners (often women), older people, persons with disabilities, and those furthest from the labour market, including people with a migrant background and Roma. Member States should contribute to fostering labour supply and address shortages, improving wages and working conditions, ensuring that the design of tax and benefit systems promote adequate income protection and a dignified standard of living, and that active labour market policies are effective and accessible, respecting the role and autonomy of social partners. Member States should also support a work environment which ensures accessibility and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities, offering quality non-segregated employment and career progression, including through targeted financial and technical support, maintenance of disability allowances while employed, information and awareness raising, and services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society. The social economy can play a key role in securing quality jobs for persons with disabilities. The Disability Employment Package under the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, as enhanced by the Commission Communication of 6 May 2026, should be fully implemented in workplaces, with particular attention to retention strategies and elimination of discriminatory practices. |
Amendment 21
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 10
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including in relation to career progression, by tackling gender stereotypes, eliminating barriers to leadership access at all levels of decision making, and by tackling workplace violence and harassment. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable, high quality long-term care and early childhood education and care. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family-related leave and flexible working arrangements to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of those entitlements between parents. | Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including in relation to career progression, by tackling gender stereotypes as well as gender-segmented labour markets and systematic gender gaps in access to relevant education and training, eliminating barriers to leadership access at all levels of decision making, ensuring paid maternity and parental leave for all parents and effectively implementing Directive (EU) 2022/2381 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a, and pursuing equivalent measures in the public sector. Member States must tackle workplace violence and harassment, in line with ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work. Member States should also transpose and effectively implement Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council1b., to ensure equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable, high quality long-term care and early childhood education and care. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable and paid family-related leave and flexible working arrangements to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of those entitlements between parents. |
| 1a. Directive (EU) 2022/2381 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies and related measures (OJ L 315, 7.12.2022, p. 44, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2381/oj). | |
| 1b. Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms (OJ L 132, 17.5.2023, p. 21, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/970/oj). |
Amendment 22
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 11
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| As a complementary solution to tapping the potential of the Union domestic workforce, Member States should attract talent and skills from outside the Union via legal migration pathways, while guaranteeing fair recruitment and labour and social rights. Member States should ensure that procedures to recognise qualifications of third-country nationals in the context of legal migration procedures are simple, efficient and facilitate fast access to regulated professions. Member States should further engage in Talent Partnerships to enhance legal migration pathways by launching new mobility schemes and provide for an effective integration policy for workers and their families, encompassing education and training, employment, social protection, health and housing. | As a complement to fully tapping the potential of the Union domestic workforce, Member States should attract talent and skills from outside the Union via legal migration pathways, while guaranteeing fair recruitment, equal treatment, labour and social rights, access to collective bargaining and trade union representation, and effective protection against exploitation, discrimination and abusive recruitment practices. Member States should ensure that procedures to recognise qualifications of third-country nationals in the context of legal migration procedures are simple, efficient and facilitate fast access to regulated professions. Member States should further engage in Talent Partnerships to enhance legal migration pathways by launching new mobility schemes and provide for an effective integration policy for workers and their families, encompassing education and training, employment, social protection, health and housing. Labour migration instruments should be governed with equal representation of trade unions and employers. Third-country and mobile workers should receive accessible complaint tools, legal redress and trade-union contact information. Member States should similarly ensure that labour migration does not result in a deterioration of existing working conditions for domestic workers. |
Amendment 23
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 12
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should work together with social partners in ensuring fair, transparent and predictable working conditions. To enhance job quality, they should reduce and prevent segmentation in labour markets, fight undeclared work and bogus self-employment, and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should provide both a suitable environment for recruitment and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context. At the same time, they should protect labour rights and ensure social protection. Promoting the use of flexible working arrangements such as teleworking can contribute to higher employment levels and more inclusive labour markets. A safe and healthy work environment should be ensured, and workplace wellbeing and job autonomy promoted as contributing to job quality. | Member States should work together with social partners in ensuring fair, transparent and predictable working conditions. To enhance job quality, they should reduce and prevent segmentation in labour markets, fight undeclared work and bogus self-employment, including through cooperation between social security and labour inspection authorities, with particular attention to sectors and workers at higher risk of labour exploitation, including third-country national and mobile workers, and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Workplace well-being and job autonomy should be promoted as contributing to job quality. Member States should, in accordance with Principle No 5 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, prevent employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions, including by prohibiting the abuse of atypical contracts. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should protect labour rights, provide access to social protection, enable inclusive recruitment and ensure safe, healthy, climate-resilient and well-adapted work environments for all workers, while providing necessary flexibility for companies to adapt to changes. To strengthen the effective enforcement of labour law, Member States should ensure that labour inspectorates are adequately staffed, sufficiently resourced and operationally equipped to carry out regular inspections in accordance with national practices and ILO conventions. Promoting the use of flexible working arrangements such as teleworking can contribute to higher employment levels and more inclusive labour markets, including for previously excluded groups, but it can also blur the boundary between working time and private life. Member States should address gaps in social protection coverage for workers who temporarily lose work and income due to extreme weather events. |
Amendment 24
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 13
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should support workers and employers in the digital transformation, including via promoting the effective, responsible, inclusive and ethical use of AI tools that boost productivity and complement human labour. To foster a trust-based approach to workplace technology and innovation, Member States should also monitor impacts on the labour market functioning, including recruitment practices, and leverage the role of social dialogue and collective bargaining. Precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in platform work and atypical work contracts, by ensuring fairness, transparency, non-discrimination and accountability in the use of algorithms, and by fighting abusive contractual arrangements. Access to effective, impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, where applicable, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal. | Member States should support workers and employers in the digital transformation, including through the effective, responsible, inclusive and ethical human-centric use of AI tools that boost productivity and complement human labour. Member States should take concrete measures to ensure that increasing AI-driven automation does not lead to a reduction in labour’s share of income, which would not only increase inequalities but could also weaken aggregate demand, investment and economic growth. To foster a trust-based approach to workplace technology and innovation, Member States should also monitor impacts on the labour market functioning, including recruitment practices, and leverage the role of social dialogue and collective bargaining. Member States should further adapt education and training pathways to the changing impact of AI across occupations and resulting shifts in occupational demand, including by raising the profile and attractiveness of VET professions that are less susceptible to AI-related disruption. Precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in platform work, atypical work contracts and work mediated through intermediaries, by ensuring fairness, transparency, non-discrimination and human accountability in the use of algorithms, and by fighting abusive contractual arrangements. To this end, Member States should ensure timely and complete transposition and effective enforcement of Directive (EU) 2024/2831 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. Access to effective, impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, where applicable, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal. |
| 1a. Directive (EU) 2024/2831 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on improving working conditions in platform work (OJ L, 2024/2831, 11.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2831/oj). |
Amendment 25
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 14
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market, especially underrepresented groups, such as women and young people, as well as people in vulnerable situations, such as the lower-skilled, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, people with a migrant background, people from Roma communities and older workers. Member States should strengthen the scope and effectiveness of active labour market policies by increasing their availability, outreach and coverage and by better linking them with social services, training and income support for the unemployed. Member States should enhance the capacity of public employment services to provide timely and tailor-made assistance to jobseekers, including through performance-based management and better capacity to use data and digital technology, and by making the best use of Union funding. Private employment services also play a role in this respect. | Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market, especially underrepresented groups, such as women and young people, as well as people in vulnerable situations, such as the lower-skilled, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, people with a migrant background, people from Roma communities and older workers. Member States should strengthen the scope and effectiveness of active labour market policies by increasing their availability, outreach and coverage and by better linking them with social services, training and income support for the unemployed. Member States should enhance the capacity of public employment services to provide timely and tailor-made assistance to jobseekers, including through performance-based management and better capacity to use data and digital technology, and by making the best use of Union funding as well as national resources. |
Amendment 26
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 15
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should provide the unemployed with adequate unemployment benefits of reasonable duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. Unemployment benefits should not disincentivise a prompt return to employment and should be accompanied by active labour market policies. | Member States should provide the unemployed with adequate unemployment benefits of sufficient duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules and on the basis of non-discrimination. Unemployment benefits should be accompanied by effective and adequately funded public employment services, quality training and individualised support enabling unemployed people to find sustainable and quality employment corresponding, as far as possible, to their skills and qualifications. |
Amendment 27
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 17
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should also strive to create the appropriate conditions for new forms of work, and working methods, delivering on their job creation potential while ensuring that they are compliant with social and labour rights. They should enforce applicable rules in the context of atypical contracts and new forms of work, such as work through digital labour platforms. In this regard, social partners can play an instrumental role and Member States should support them in reaching out to and representing people in atypical and new forms of work. Member States should also strengthen enforcement through adequate capacities and dedicated training for labour inspectorates, concerning the challenges stemming from new forms of work, including the use of digital technologies and AI, such as algorithmic management, workers’ surveillance and telework. | Member States should also strive to create the appropriate conditions for new forms of work, and working methods, delivering on their job creation potential while ensuring full compliance with Union and national law. They should enforce applicable rules in the context of atypical contracts and new forms of work, such as work through digital labour platforms. In this regard, social partners can play an instrumental role and Member States should support them in reaching out to and representing people in atypical and new forms of work. Member States should also strengthen enforcement through adequate capacities and dedicated training for labour inspectorates, concerning the challenges stemming from new forms of work, including the use of digital technologies and AI, such as algorithmic management, workers’ surveillance and telework, working conditions and occupational safety and health, particularly psychosocial health. Effective enforcement of workers' rights and labour law are key in the context of digitalisation, and in the use of AI and algorithmic management at the workplace. |
Amendment 28
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 18
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should ensure an enabling environment for bipartite and tripartite social dialogue at all levels, including collective bargaining, in the public and private sectors, in accordance with national law and/or practice, after consultation and in close cooperation with social partners, while respecting their autonomy. Member States should involve social partners in a systematic, meaningful and timely manner in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic and other public policies, including in the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages. Member States should promote higher collective bargaining coverage, including by strengthening social partners’ capacity, enable effective collective bargaining at all appropriate levels and encourage coordination between and across those levels. Social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, fully respecting their autonomy and the right to collective action. Where relevant, and building on existing national practices, Member States should take into account the relevant experience of civil society organisations on employment and social issues. | Member States should foster democracy at work and ensure an enabling environment for bipartite and tripartite social dialogue at all levels, including collective bargaining, in the public and private sectors, in accordance with national law and/or practice, after consultation and in close cooperation with social partners, while respecting their autonomy. Member States should involve social partners in a systematic, meaningful and timely manner in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic and other public policies, including in the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages. Member States should promote higher collective bargaining coverage, with the aim of achieving a collective bargaining coverage rate of 80%, in line with the objective set out in Directive (EU) 2022/2041, including by strengthening social partners’ capacity, enable effective collective bargaining at all appropriate levels and encourage coordination between and across those levels. Social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, fully respecting their autonomy and the right to collective action. Where relevant, and building on existing national practices, Member States should take into account the relevant experience of civil society organisations on employment and social issues, given their first-hand knowledge of how services and systems operate in practice on the ground. |
Amendment 29
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 19
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient and sustainable social protection for all, throughout all stages of life, fit to the needs of an ageing population. They should foster social inclusion and upward social mobility, support intergenerational fairness and a fair balancing of support across age groups, incentivise labour market participation, fight poverty and social exclusion and address inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems, assessing the distributional impact of policies, while tackling discrimination in all its forms. Complementing universal approaches with targeted ones can improve the effectiveness of social protection systems. Member States should enhance the transparency and uptake of social protection benefits, including through the ethical and safe deployment of digital tools, and paying due attention to the digital divide. Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable households that are most affected by the green and digital transitions, and by uneven impacts of climate change and increases in the cost of living, including housing and energy costs. Member States should take steps to close gaps in access to social protection for workers and the self-employed, as an integral component of ensuring job quality. | Member States should promote inclusive labour markets open to all by putting in place effective measures to eliminate every form of discrimination and ensure equal opportunities, particularly for groups underrepresented in the labour market and with due attention to regional and territorial dimensions. Member States should modernise their social protection systems to provide adequate, accessible, effective, efficient and sustainable social protection for all, throughout all stages of life, fit to the needs of an ageing population. They should foster social inclusion and upward social mobility through quality employment as a primary route out of poverty, support intergenerational fairness and a fair balancing of support across age groups, fight poverty and social exclusion, particularly child and in-work poverty, and address inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems, assessing the distributional impact of policies, while tackling discrimination in all its forms. Complementing universal approaches with targeted ones can improve the effectiveness of social protection systems. Member States should enhance the transparency and uptake of social protection benefits, including through the ethical and safe deployment of digital tools, and paying due attention to the digital divide. Particular support should be provided to vulnerable households and workers that are most affected by the green and digital transitions, and by uneven impacts of climate change and increases in the cost of living, including housing, transport and energy costs. Member States should take steps to close gaps in access to social protection for workers, including workers in platform and other atypical or non-standard forms of work and the self-employed, as an integral component of ensuring job quality. |
Amendment 30
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 20
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, in a life cycle perspective from childhood to old age, in line with the Union and national poverty reduction headline targets for 2030. Member States are encouraged to ensure anti-poverty policy frameworks. With a view to further preventing and addressing poverty, discrimination and stigma, difficulties to afford basic needs, such as food, energy, a home and other basic goods, and the lack of access to quality services, should be tackled. Member States should develop and integrate the three strands of active inclusion (adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality enabling services) to meet individual needs. Social protection and inclusion systems should ensure adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by supporting and encouraging people to participate in the labour market and society, including through targeted provision of social services. Member States should ensure that everyone has access to essential services of good quality. The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services, such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities, including by alleviating food and material deprivation. To break the cycle of disadvantage, child poverty and social exclusion should be especially addressed by comprehensive and integrated measures, including through the full implementation of the European Child Guarantee. | Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty, including in-work poverty, and social exclusion, in a life cycle perspective from childhood to old age, in line with the Union and national poverty reduction headline targets for 2030 and the aim of eradicating poverty by 2035 through progress indicators and clear milestones. Member States should have effective anti-poverty policy frameworks in line with the Union’s Anti-Poverty Strategy and address social mobility and intergenerational and multi-dimensional challenges. With a view to further preventing and addressing poverty, discrimination and stigma, difficulties to afford basic needs, such as food, energy, a home and other basic goods, and the lack of access to quality services, should be tackled. Member States should recognise that the lack of decent, sustainable and affordable housing can impede access to employment, labour mobility and the retention of workers. Member States should develop and integrate the three strands of active inclusion (adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality enabling services) to meet individual needs. Social protection and inclusion systems should ensure adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by supporting and encouraging people in working age to participate in the labour market and society, including through targeted provision of social services. Member States should ensure that everyone has access to essential services of good quality. The availability of universally accessible, affordable and quality services, such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities, including by alleviating food and material deprivation. To break the cycle of disadvantage, child poverty and social exclusion should be especially addressed by comprehensive and integrated measures, including through the full implementation of the European Child Guarantee, with a particular focus on single-parent households, the large majority of which are headed by women, and to the compounded risks faced by women in old age, migrant women and women with disabilities. |
Amendment 31
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 21
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should also ensure access to affordable and sustainable housing, including social housing. Mobilising private and public investments for affordable and social housing, in a context where other supply bottlenecks are also addressed, will be key to achieve progress. In addition, Member States should provide well targeted housing assistance and other support measures, for people in need or in a vulnerable situation. Social economy housing providers, innovative financing models and targeted measures to mobilise vacant housing can be building blocks towards sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. Energy and transport poverty, as well as resilience to health risks and disasters, including those triggered by climate change and environmental degradation, should be addressed with targeted support measures for low-income households and disadvantaged groups. Member States should, where appropriate, make effective use of Union funding to invest in affordable and social housing, student housing, housing renovation and accompanying services. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account. Homelessness and housing exclusion should be tackled specifically by boosting the supply of affordable and social housing, prevention measures and promoting an inclusive, people-centred housing-led and integrated approach, ensuring that support meets real needs. | Member States should ensure access to decent, affordable and sustainable housing, including public or social housing. Mobilising private and public investments for affordable and social housing, in a context where other supply bottlenecks are also addressed, will be key to achieve progress. In addition, Member States should provide well targeted housing assistance and other support measures, for people in need or in a vulnerable situation. Social economy housing providers, innovative financing models and targeted measures to mobilise vacant housing can be building blocks towards sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. Energy and transport poverty, as well as resilience to health risks and disasters, including those triggered by climate change and environmental degradation, should be addressed with targeted support measures for low-income households and disadvantaged groups. Member States should also ensure that the loss of a primary residence through enforcement proceedings is solely a measure of last resort. Member States should make effective use of Union funding to invest in affordable and social housing, student housing, housing renovation and accompanying services. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account, including in the provision of affordable and social housing particularly as regards new builds and renovation of existing housing stock. Homelessness and housing exclusion should be tackled specifically by boosting the supply of affordable and social housing, prevention measures and promoting an inclusive, people-centred housing-led and integrated approach, particularly through the housing first principle, to ensure that support meets real needs. |
Amendment 32
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 22
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In a context of increasing longevity and other demographic changes, Member States should secure the adequacy and sustainability of pension systems for workers and the self-employed. Pension systems should ensure equal opportunities for women and men to acquire pension rights, including through providing pension credits for care breaks and enhancing saving in broad and inclusive supplementary schemes. Pension reforms should be supported by policies that aim to reduce the gender pension gap and measures that extend working lives, such as facilitating active ageing and the labour market participation of older adults to increase the effective retirement age. Member States should promote transparency of pension rights, including through pension tracking services. | In a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, Member States should secure the adequacy and sustainability of pension systems for workers and the self-employed, providing equal opportunities for women and men to acquire and accrue pension rights, including through supplementary schemes to ensure a decent retirement income above the poverty line. Pension reforms should be supported by policies that aim to reduce the gender pension gap, including by adequately valued periods of maternity and parental leave, and to promote active and healthy ageing and decent working conditions to ensure that workers can actually remain in employment until they reach the statutory retirement age. At the same time workers who wish to remain active after they have reached the retirement age should have the possibility to do so. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners and other relevant stakeholders and allow for an appropriate phasing in of the reforms. Part-time and non-standard workers should have equitable access to supplementary pension schemes. Member States should promote transparency of pension rights, including through pension tracking services. |
Amendment 33
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – paragraph 23
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States should ensure timely access to affordable preventive and curative healthcare, while safeguarding sustainability in the long term. In the context of an increasing demand for long-term care, also linked to demographic change, gaps in adequacy and availability of services, workforce shortages and poor working conditions should be addressed through comprehensive and integrated measures. Furthermore, Member States should work towards developing care models that are person-centred, ensure smooth transition between different care pathways (e.g. from hospital to home and/or residential care) and address health and long-term care needs in an integrated manner. | Member States should ensure timely access to affordable, preventive and curative healthcare of good quality, including mental health services, while safeguarding sustainability in the long term. In the context of an increasing demand for long-term care, also linked to demographic change, gaps in adequacy and availability of services, labour shortages, poor working conditions and often inadequate remuneration of carers should be addressed through comprehensive and integrated measures. Furthermore, Member States should work towards developing care models that are person-centred, ensure smooth transition between different care pathways (e.g. from hospital to home and/or residential care) and address health and long-term care needs in an integrated manner. Member States should ensure that unpaid and informal carers also have access to social protection, including pension credits, as well as adequate compensation, minimum respite periods, financial support and enabling services. |