EU Employment and Social Affairs ministers advance a socially just future of work

The strategic priority of fair employment for social justice, advancing Europe’s collective response to the profound transformations reshaping labour markets, was brought to the forefront at the informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs ministers on 13 February 2026, in Lefkosia, under the Cyprus Presidency.

Against a backdrop of global instability, geopolitical tensions, high energy prices, climate change, demographic decline and rapid technological change – particularly digitalisation and artificial intelligence – ministers responsible for Employment and Social Affairs engaged in a forward-looking dialogue on how to ensure that Europe’s twin green and digital transitions remain socially just and inclusive.

The morning sessions were chaired by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of the Republic of Cyprus, Μr Marinos Moushouttas. The discussions focused on policies that have proven to be the most effective at a national level in promoting fair employment and strengthening social justice. Additionally, ministers discussed the need for further concrete action at the EU level to ensure that employment policy instruments deliver tangible results in advancing fair employment for social justice.   

In opening the discussions, ministers reaffirmed that social justice lies at the heart of the European social model. They stressed that fairness, equal opportunities, dignity at work and empowerment must guide policy responses to labour market change.

Participants underlined that, while new technologies and innovation create opportunities for productivity and new forms of employment, they may also risk widening inequalities, job displacement and income insecurity if not accompanied by strong safeguards. 

Ensuring access to decent work, equal pay for work of equal value and opportunities for advancement for all workers were recognised as essential for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The discussions also addressed the importance of skills, lifelong learning and just transitions. Ministers emphasised that the green and digital transformations are rapidly changing skill requirements, and that continuous upskilling and reskilling must become a structural feature of Europe’s labour markets.

The ministers also reaffirmed that social dialogue and collective bargaining remain cornerstones of fair employment. Strong and effective social partner involvement was recognised as indispensable for anticipating change, managing restructuring and supporting fair and balanced labour market outcomes.

Looking ahead, the Informal EPSCO Council welcomed the upcoming EU initiatives, such as the Quality Jobs Act and the Fair Labour Mobility Package, as important opportunities to address emerging challenges. These challenges include algorithmic management, occupational safety and health risks, subcontracting chains and fair labour mobility. The ministers agreed that coordinated action at both national and European levels is essential to deliver tangible results and ensure a human-centred future of work in Europe.

The Cyprus Presidency highlighted that advancing fair employment is not only a social imperative, but also an economic necessity. This reaffirms the EU’s commitment to a competitive, inclusive and socially just Europe, where decent work and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all.

No one left behind: Europe moves toward a stronger social future

The afternoon session of the meeting of European ministers was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Clea Papaellina. The discussions focused on exchanging views and proposals aimed at strengthening social cohesion and well-being in Europe.

The presence of the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Employment and Preparedness, Ms Roxana Mînzatu, as well as the Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament, Ms Li Andersson, highlighted the importance of the topics addressed at a European level.

The central theme of the informal council’s work in the afternoon was the upcoming first European Strategy for Combating Poverty. Emphasis was placed on strengthening social protection policies and enhancing cooperation among member states toward a stronger, more resilient, and more social Europe that leaves no one behind.

Particular attention was also given to the topic “Person Centred Long Term Care as a Driver of Active Ageing.” Participants stressed that investing in high-quality, accessible long term care services is a crucial factor for an inclusive Europe, for intergenerational solidarity, and for promoting active and dignified ageing.

In this context, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare expressed her satisfaction with the high level of dialogue and cooperation. She emphasised that the meeting’s conclusions will significantly contribute to shaping future European social protection and employment policies.

Photos and video

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.