PES Ministers reaffirm commitment to a Social Europe built on Ending Poverty and Fair Work

Ministers from the Party of European Socialists (PES) responsible for employment and social affairs met online ahead of this week's informal EPSCO Council, reaffirming their shared commitment to a strong Social Europe that delivers for people.

Chaired by Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria, the online meeting focused on key priorities including the upcoming European Anti-Poverty Strategy, access to high-quality long-term care, strengthening trade unions, collective bargaining, social dialogue and workers' representation, thecoordination of social security systems, and the 28^th company regime.

Ministers welcomed the ongoing work of Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, on the European Anti-Poverty Strategy, expected to be presented in May, and stressed the need for an ambitious approach that tackles the root causes of poverty. PES ministers underlined the importance of concrete legislative measures, including action against in-work poverty, strong minimum income schemes, targeted measures on child poverty and gender inequalities, and sufficient investment in affordable housing.

The discussion also highlighted the urgent need to improve access to high-quality long-term care across Europe. Ministers stressed that an ageing society requires sustained public investment, better working conditions in the care sector, and a strong gender perspective, fully aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights and reflected in the next EU long-term budget.

Ministers also reaffirmed the central role of collective bargaining, social dialogue and strong trade unions in defending workers' rights, democracy at work and ensuring quality jobs across Europe.

On the coordination of social security systems, PES ministers reiterated their determination to make progress on this long-standing file, calling for fair and effective rules that protect workers' rights and support mobility within the European Union.

PES ministers also addressed the upcoming 28^th company regime, insisting that workers' rights, workers' participation, and co-determination are non-negotiable.

Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria, and chair of the meeting, said:

"At a time of growing inequalities and social uncertainty, our responsibility is clear: Europe must deliver protection, dignity and opportunities for all. The upcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy, spearheaded by Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, stronger investment in care, and democratic participation at work with the support of trade unions are not optional. They are essential pillars of a Social Europe that leaves no one behind and puts people at the heart of European policymaking. We reject any deregulation attempts that aim at undermining them."

PES ministers agreed to continue their close coordination ahead of the next formal EPSCO Council and to advance joint progressive priorities for a more social, fair, and inclusive Europe.

Participants

• Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria, Chair
• Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health, Belgium
• Ivan Krastev, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Bulgaria
• Michael Schäfer, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Germany
• Saulius Davainis, Deputy Minister for Social Security and Labour, Lithuania
• Sebastian Gajewski, Deputy Minister of Family, Labour and Social Affairs, Poland
• Igor Feketija, State Secretary at the Ministry for Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Slovenia
• Borja Suárez, Secretary of State for Social Security and Pensions, Spain
• Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European Commission
• Gaby Bischoff, S&D Vice-President, S&D Group in the European Parliament