European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 April 2018 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (COM(2017)0677 – C8-0424/2017 – 2017/0305(NLE))
Date: 2018-04-19
Institutions: Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, European Parliament
Subjects: EU employment policy, economic growth, education, equal treatment, fight against unemployment, job creation, labour market, marginalisation, poverty, social integration








C_2019390EN.01019601.xml










18.11.2019   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 390/196






P8_TA(2018)0181
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States *
European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 April 2018 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (COM(2017)0677 – C8-0424/2017 – 2017/0305(NLE))
(Consultation)
(2019/C 390/45)

The European Parliament,







—


having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2017)0677),










—


having regard to Article 148(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0424/2017),










—


having regard to its position of 15 September 2016 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (1),










—


having regard to its position of 8 July 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (2),










—


having regard to Rule 78c of its Rules of Procedure,










—


having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0140/2018),












1.


Approves the Commission proposal as amended;












2.


Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;












3.


Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;












4.


Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;












5.


Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.





Amendment 1


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 particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce and 
labour markets responsive to economic change
, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour, are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and coordinate their action in this respect within the Council.






 








(1)


Member States and the Union are to 
develop and deliver an effective and
 coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting 
inclusive labour markets responsive to economic, social, technological and environmental realities and changes, with
 a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, and 
for safeguarding the well-being of all workers
, with a view to achieving the objectives of 
a social market economy
, full employment and social progress 
as
 set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour, are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and coordinate their action in this respect within the Council.









Amendment 2


Proposal for a decision


Recital 2









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(2)


The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men. 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 poverty and social exclusion, and a high level of education and training.






 








(2)


The Union is to combat 
all forms of poverty
, social exclusion and discrimination 
in all areas of life
 and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men. 
That overall objective should also be pursued through Union legal acts and policies in other areas.
 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 poverty and social exclusion, and a high level of education and training. 
The Union is to promote active participation of all citizens in economic, social and cultural life.











Amendment 3


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(3)


In accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal, macroeconomic and structural policies. As part of these instruments, the present Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States, 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, form the Integrated Guidelines for Implementing the Europe 2020 strategy. They 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 European and national policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall economic and social policy mix which should achieve positive spill-over effects.






 








(3)


In accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for fiscal, macroeconomic and structural policies 
which have a significant impact on the social and employment situation in the Union, with potential effects including insecurity, poverty and inequality
. As part of these instruments, the present Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States, 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, form the Integrated Guidelines for Implementing the Europe 2020 strategy. They 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 European and national policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall economic and social policy mix which should achieve positive spill-over effects 
for all Member States
.









Amendment 4


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(3a)






To ensure a more democratic decision-making process in the context of the Integrated Guidelines, which affect people and labour markets across the Union, it is important that the Council take into account the position of the European Parliament.











Amendment 5


Proposal for a decision


Recital 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(4)


The Guidelines for the Employment Policies are consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, the existing European Union legislation and various EU initiatives, including the Council recommendation on establishing a Youth Guarantee (3), the Council Recommendation on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (4), the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways (5) and the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (6).






 








(4)


The Guidelines for the Employment Policies are consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, the existing European Union legislation and various EU initiatives, including 
the European Pillar of Social Rights
, the Council recommendation on establishing a Youth Guarantee (7), the Council Recommendation on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (8), the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways (9) and the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (10).









 






Amendment 6


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(5)


The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral surveillance of economic, budgetary, employment and social policies and aims to achieve the Europe 2020 targets, including those concerning employment, education and poverty reduction, as set out in Council Decision 2010/707/EU (11). Since 2015, the European Semester has been continuously reinforced and streamlined, notably to strengthen its employment and social focus and to facilitate more dialogue with the Member States, social partners and representatives of civil society.






 








(5)


The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral surveillance of economic, budgetary, employment and social policies and aims to achieve the Europe 2020 targets, including those concerning employment, education and poverty reduction, as set out in Council Decision 2010/707/EU (12). Since 2015, the European Semester has been continuously reinforced and streamlined, notably to strengthen its employment and social focus and to facilitate more dialogue with the Member States, social partners and representatives of civil society 
at the same time keeping a strong emphasis on structural reforms and competitiveness
.









 






Amendment 7


Proposal for a decision


Recital 6









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(6)


The European Union’s recovery from the economic crisis is supporting positive labour market trends, but important challenges and disparities in economic and social performance remain between and within Member States. The crisis underscored the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets. Ensuring that the Union progresses to a state of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth 
and job creation
 is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union's provisions on economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, such policy action should encompass a boost to investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, growth performance, social cohesion and economic resilience in the face of shocks and the exercise of fiscal responsibility, while 
taking into account their
 employment and social impact.






 








(6)


The European Union’s recovery from the economic crisis is supporting positive labour market trends, but important challenges and disparities in economic and social performance remain between and within Member States 
as economic growth does not automatically result in higher employment
. The crisis underscored the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets. Ensuring that the Union progresses to a state of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, 
accompanied by the creation of sustainable and quality jobs
 is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union's provisions on economic governance. Combining supply- and demand-side measures, such policy action should encompass a boost to investment, 
including in the circular and in the green economy and with regard to social investment
, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced, 
socially and economically balanced
 structural reforms that improve productivity, growth performance, social cohesion and economic resilience in the face of shocks and the exercise of fiscal responsibility, while 
those structural reforms should have a positive
 employment and social impact.









Amendment 8


Proposal for a decision


Recital 7









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(7)


Reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in competitiveness, job creation, life-long learning and training policies as well as real incomes.






 








(7)


Reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in 
standards of living, equality
, competitiveness, 
productivity, sustainable and quality
 job creation, life-long learning and training policies as well as real incomes.









Amendment 9


Proposal for a decision


Recital 8









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(8)


Member States and the Union should also address the social legacy of the economic and financial crisis and aim to build an inclusive society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy, as also outlined in the Commission recommendation on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market (13). Inequality should be tackled, 
access and
 opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (
including
 of children) 
reduced
, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and social protection systems and by removing barriers to education
/
 training and labour-market participation. As new economic and business models take hold in EU workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that new employment relationships maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model.






 








(8)


Member States and the Union should also address the social legacy of the economic and financial crisis and aim to build an inclusive 
and socially just
 society in which people are empowered to anticipate and manage change, and can actively participate in society and the economy, as also outlined in the Commission recommendation on the active inclusion of people excluded from the labour market (14). Inequality 
and discrimination
 should be tackled, 
equal
 opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (
particularly
 of children) 
eradicated
, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and 
adequate and effective
 social protection systems, by removing barriers to education, training and labour-market participation. As new economic and business models take hold in EU workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that new employment relationships maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model 
by ensuring that people in emerging forms of work are covered and protected by employment regulations
. 
Member States should support the potential of people with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development.











 






Amendment 10


Proposal for a decision


Recital 8 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(8a)






The Commission and the Member States should create spaces for reflection and dialogue with the support of specialised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and organisations of people experiencing poverty, to ensure that the latter are able to contribute to the evaluation of policies which affect them.











Amendment 11


Proposal for a decision


Recital 11









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(11)


The Integrated Guidelines should form the basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council 
may address
 to the Member States. Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds to foster employment, social inclusion, lifelong learning and education and to improve public administration. 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.






 








(11)


The Integrated Guidelines 
and the European Pillar of Social Rights
 should form the basis for 
well-targeted
 country-specific recommendations that the Council 
addresses
 to the Member States. Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund and other Union funds to foster employment, social inclusion, lifelong learning and education and to improve public administration. 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.









Amendment 12


Proposal for a decision


Recital 12









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(12)


The Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee should monitor how the relevant policies are implemented in the light of the guidelines for employment policies, in line with their respective Treaty-based mandates. These committees and other Council preparatory bodies involved in the coordination of economic and social policies should work together closely,






 








(12)


The Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee should monitor how the relevant policies are implemented in the light of the guidelines for employment policies, in line with their respective Treaty-based mandates. These committees and other Council preparatory bodies involved in the coordination of economic and social policies should work together closely 
with the European Parliament, and in particular with its Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, to ensure democratic accountability
,









Amendment 13


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 5 – paragraph 1









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should facilitate the creation of quality jobs, including by 
reducing the barriers that
 businesses 
face
 in hiring people, 
by promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment and
, in particular, by supporting the creation and growth of micro and small enterprises. Member States should actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.


 


Member States should facilitate 
and invest in
 the creation of 
sustainable, accessible and
 quality jobs 
across skill levels, labour market sectors and regions
, including by 
fully developing the potential of future oriented sectors, such as the green and the circular economies, the care sector and the digital sector. Member States should enable people to balance work and private life, ensure that work places are adapted for persons with disabilities and older workers, help
 businesses in hiring people 
and promote responsible entrepreneurship and self-employment
, in particular by supporting the creation and growth of micro and small enterprises. Member States should actively promote the social economy and foster social innovation.





Amendment 14


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 5 – paragraph 2









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should encourage innovative forms of work, 
which
 create job opportunities for all in a responsible manner.


 


Member States should encourage innovative forms of work 
that
 create 
quality
 job opportunities for all in a responsible manner, 
taking into account the development of new information and communication technologies, while ensuring full compliance with Union law, national legislation and employment practices as well as with industrial relation systems
. 
The Member States and the Commission should promote good practices in this area.







Amendment 15


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




Member States should cut red tape in order to ease any unnecessary burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises, which contribute significantly to job creation.







Amendment 16


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 5 – paragraph 3









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The tax burden 
should be shifted
 away from labour to other sources of taxation that are less detrimental to employment and growth, taking account of the redistributive effect of the tax system, while protecting revenue for adequate social protection and growth-enhancing expenditure.


 




Member States should endeavour gradually to reduce
 the tax burden 
on labour and shift it
 away from labour to other sources of taxation that are less detrimental to employment and growth, taking account of the redistributive effect of the tax system, while protecting revenue for adequate social protection and growth-enhancing expenditure, 
including investment in public services of general interest
.





Amendment 17


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 5 – paragraph 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should, in line with national practices and respecting the autonomy of social partners, encourage transparent and predictable wage-setting mechanisms, allowing for the responsiveness of wages to productivity developments while ensuring fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living. These mechanisms should take into account differences in skills levels and divergences in economic performance across regions, sectors and companies. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners should ensure adequate minimum wage levels, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.


 


Member States should, in line with national practices and respecting the autonomy of social partners, encourage transparent and predictable wage-setting mechanisms, allowing for the responsiveness of wages to productivity developments while ensuring fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living 
in a sustainable, responsible way
. These mechanisms should take into account differences in skills levels and divergences in economic performance across regions, sectors and companies. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners should ensure adequate minimum wage levels, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.





Amendment 18


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – title









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Guideline 6: Enhancing labour supply: access to employment, skills and competences


 


Guideline 6: Enhancing labour supply 
and improving
 access to employment, skills and competences





Amendment 19


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 1









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





In the context of technological, environmental and demographic change, Member States, in cooperation with social partners, should promote productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's working lives, responding to current and future labour market 
needs
. Member States should make the necessary investment in both initial and continuing education and training. They should work together with social partners, 
education and training providers
 and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems, to provide quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning. They should ensure the transfer of training entitlements during 
professional transitions
. This should allow everyone better to anticipate and adapt to labour market needs and successfully manage transitions, thus strengthening the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.


 


In the context of technological, environmental and demographic change, Member States, in cooperation with social partners 
and civil society
, should promote 
sustainability
, productivity and employability through an appropriate supply of relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's working lives, responding to current and 
anticipated
 future labour market 
opportunities including through the targeted promotion of training in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors
. Member States should make the necessary investment in both initial and continuing education and training 
and life-long learning, targeting not only formal education, but also non-formal and informal learning, and ensuring equal opportunities and access for all
. They should work together with social partners, education and training providers, 
civil society organisations
 and other stakeholders to 
increase the quality of and
 address structural weaknesses in education and training systems, to provide quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning, 
also taking into account the particular needs of persons with disabilities, ethnic and national minorities, immigrants and refugees
. They should ensure the transfer of 
entitlements to
 training during 
changes in
 professional 
life through a point system and the accumulation of associated rights
. This should allow everyone better to anticipate and adapt to labour market needs, 
avoid skills mismatches
 and successfully manage transitions, thus strengthening the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.





Amendment 20


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 2









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should foster equal opportunities in education and raise overall education levels, particularly for the least qualified. They should ensure quality learning outcomes, reinforce basic skills, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary degrees, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, and increase adult participation in continuing education and training. Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their vocational education and training systems, including through quality and effective apprenticeships, make skills more visible and comparable and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take-up of flexible continuing vocational training. Member States should also support low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the establishment of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, 
a matching
 offer of education and training and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.


 


Member States should foster equal opportunities in education, 
including early childhood education
, and raise overall education levels, particularly for the least qualified 
and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds
. They should ensure quality learning outcomes, 
develop and
 reinforce basic skills, 
foster the development of entrepreneurial skills
, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary degrees, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, and increase adult participation in continuing education and training, 
including through policies that provide for educational and training leave, as well as in-work vocational training and life-long learning
. Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their vocational education and training systems, including through quality and effective apprenticeships, make skills more visible and comparable and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take-up of flexible continuing vocational training. Member States should also 
target
 support 
for
 low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the establishment of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, 
an
 offer of education and training 
matching labour market opportunities
 and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.





Amendment 21


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




In order to promote the long-term well-being and productivity of their workforce, Member States should ensure that their education and training systems, as well as addressing labour market needs, are aimed at fostering personal development, social cohesion, intercultural understanding and active citizenship.







Amendment 22


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 3









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





High unemployment and inactivity should be tackled, including through timely and tailor-made assistance based on support for job-search, training, 
and
 requalification. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessment 
at the latest after 18 months of unemployment
 should be pursued with a view to significantly reducing and preventing structural unemployment. Youth unemployment and the high rates of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), should continue to be addressed through a structural improvement in the school-to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the Youth Guarantee (15).


 


High unemployment, 
long-term unemployment
 and 
long-term
 inactivity should be tackled, including through timely, 
integrated
 and tailor-made assistance based on support for job-search, training, requalification 
and proper follow-up
. 
To that end, a coordinated approach to social and employment services is needed, meaning close cooperation between employment services, social services, the social partners and local authorities.
 Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessment 
as early as possible
 should be pursued with a view to significantly reducing and preventing 
long-term and
 structural unemployment. Youth unemployment and the high rates of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), should continue to be addressed through a structural improvement in the school-to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the Youth Guarantee (16).





 






Amendment 23


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Tax reforms to shift taxes away from labour should aim to remove barriers and 
disincentives
 to participation in the labour market, in particular for those furthest away from the labour market. Member States should support an adapted work environment for people with disabilities, including targeted financial support actions and services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society.


 


Tax reforms to shift taxes 
gradually
 away from labour should aim to remove 
unjustified
 barriers 
and excessive bureaucracy
 and 
provide incentives
 to participation in the labour market, in particular for those furthest away from the labour market, 
while ensuring that tax shifts do not jeopardise the sustainability of the welfare state
. Member States should support an adapted work environment for people with disabilities 
and older workers
, including targeted financial support actions and services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society 
as a whole
. 
Member States and the Commission should promote supported employment in an open and inclusive labour market.







Amendment 24


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 6 – paragraph 5









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Barriers to participation and career progression should be eliminated to ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through equal pay for equal work. The reconciliation of work and family life should be 
promoted, in particular through access to long-term care and affordable quality early childhood education and care
. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family leaves and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men.


 


Barriers to participation and career progression should be eliminated to ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through equal pay for equal work 
in all sectors and professions
. 
Member States should develop and implement policies on wage transparency and pay audits in order to close the gender pay gap. Member States are to enforce Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (17) by setting effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties on employers paying a different wage for the same job, depending on whether it is performed by a man or by a woman.
 The reconciliation of work, 
private
 and family life should be 
guaranteed for all people
. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family 
and care
 leaves, 
affordable quality long-term care and early childhood education and care
 and flexible 
employee-oriented
 working arrangements, 
such as teleworking and smart working
, in order to balance work and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men. 
Member States should ensure support for carers who are forced to limit or terminate their professional activity to enable them to properly take care of someone.






 


 






Amendment 25


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 7 – paragraph 2









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market matching and transitions. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach, coverage and 
better linking them with
 income support, 
based on the rights and responsibilities
 for the unemployed 
actively to seek work
. Member States should aim for more effective public employment services by ensuring timely and tailor-made assistance to support jobseekers, supporting labour-market demand and implementing performance-based management.


 


Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market matching and transitions 
so that workers are able to progress in their careers
. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market 
through individual support and integrated services within a broader active inclusion approach
. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their 
funding
, targeting, outreach, coverage and 
ensuring adequate
 income support for the unemployed 
while seeking work as well as taking into account the rights and responsibilities of the unemployed. This includes working with the social partners and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to increase the effectiveness and accountability of those policies
. Member States should aim for more effective, 
interconnected and quality
 public employment services by ensuring timely and tailor-made assistance to support jobseekers, 
allowing the latter to seek jobs throughout the Union
, supporting labour-market demand and implementing performance-based management.





Amendment 26


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 7 – paragraph 3









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. Such benefits should 
not constitute a disincentive to a quick
 return to 
employment
.


 


Member States should provide the unemployed with adequate unemployment benefits 
for a
 duration 
that is sufficient to allow them the time reasonably needed to find a quality job
, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. Such benefits should 
be accompanied by active labour-market policies and measures that constitute incentives for a swift
 return to 
quality jobs
.





Amendment 27


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 7 – paragraph 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The mobility of learners and workers should be 
promoted
 with the aim of enhancing 
employability
 skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market. Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions 
and
 in the recognition of qualifications should be removed. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not a blocking or complicating factor for workers from other Member States in taking up active employment. Member States should also prevent abuses of the existing rules and address potential ‘brain drain’from certain regions.


 


The mobility of learners and workers should be 
ensured as a fundamental freedom
 with the aim of enhancing skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market. 
Internal mobility should also be promoted.
 Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions, 
in access to social protection
, in the recognition of qualifications 
and skills as well as disproportionate linguistic requirements
 should be removed. 
Mobile workers should be supported including by improving their access to and awareness of rights at work
. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not a blocking or complicating factor for workers from other Member States in taking up active employment. Member States should also prevent abuses of the existing rules and address potential ‘brain drain’from certain regions. 
They should do so by increasing and supporting investment in sectors that have a real potential of generating high-quality job opportunities such as the green and the circular economies, the care sector and the digital sector.







Amendment 28


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 7 – paragraph 5









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





In line with national practices, and in order to achieve more effective social dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, Member States should ensure the timely and meaningful involvement of social partners in the design 
and
 implementation of economic, employment and social reforms and policies, including by providing support for increased capacity of social partners. Social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, respecting fully their autonomy and the right to collective action.


 


In line with national practices 
and with the partnership principles
, and in order to achieve more effective social 
and civil
 dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, Member States should ensure the timely, 
genuine
 and meaningful involvement of social partners 
and civil society organisations
 in the design, implementation 
and evaluation
 of economic, employment and social reforms and policies 
at all stages of the process
, including by providing support for increased capacity of social partners 
and civil society organisations. Such involvement should go beyond the mere consultation of stakeholders
. Social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, respecting fully their autonomy and the right to collective action. 
Workers with atypical employment contracts and self-employed workers should also be enabled to exercise their right to organise and to bargain collectively. Member States should take measures to strengthen the role of the social partners.







Amendment 29


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – title









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Guideline 8: Promoting equal opportunities for all, fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty


 


Guideline 8: Promoting 
equality and
 equal opportunities 
and non-discrimination
 for all, fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty





Amendment 30


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 1









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should promote inclusive labour markets, open to all, 
by putting in place effective
 measures 
to promote equal opportunities for under-represented groups in
 the labour market. 
They
 should ensure equal treatment 
regarding
 employment, social protection, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age 
or
 sexual orientation.


 


Member States, 
in cooperation with local and regional authorities
, should 
put in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and to
 promote 
equal opportunities for all people to participate in society. Such measures should include those promoting
 inclusive labour markets, open to all, 
including through
 measures 
that counter discrimination in access to and on
 the labour market, 
to support those who are discriminated, under-represented or in vulnerable situation
. 
Member States
 should ensure equal treatment 
and fight all types of discrimination in
 employment, social protection, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation 
or socio-economic background
. 
To that end, particular measures to support people in vulnerable situations, are necessary, and need to be backed by adequate funding to prevent any potential competition for resources between the beneficiaries concerned.







Amendment 31


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 2









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should 
modernise
 social protection systems to provide effective, efficient and adequate social protection throughout all stages of an individual's life, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems. 
The modernisation of
 social protection systems should lead to better 
accessibility
, sustainability, adequacy and quality.


 


Member States should 
improve
 social protection systems to provide effective, efficient and adequate social protection throughout all stages of an individual's life, 
including for the self-employed
, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems. 
Improvements of and innovations in
 social protection systems should lead to better 
access, availability
, sustainability, adequacy and quality.





Amendment 32


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 3









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should develop and implement preventive and integrated strategies through the combination of the three strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services. Social protection systems should ensure 
the right to
 adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by encouraging people to participate actively in the labour market and society.


 


Member States should develop and implement preventive and integrated strategies through the combination of the three strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services 
tailored to individual needs
. Social protection systems should ensure adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by encouraging people to participate actively in the labour market and society.





Amendment 33


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




Similarly, Member States should, with the support of the Commission, promote the active participation of NGOs specialised in the fight against poverty and of organisations of people experiencing poverty in the development of policies to combat poverty and social exclusion.







Amendment 34


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Affordable, accessible and quality services such as childcare, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, health services and long-term care are essential for ensuring equal opportunities, including for children 
and
 young people. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty, social exclusion, including reducing in-work poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone has access to essential services, including water, sanitation, energy, transport, financial services and digital communications. For those in need 
and
 vulnerable 
people
, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing assistance as well as the right to appropriate assistance and protection against forced eviction. Homelessness should be tackled specifically. The specific needs of people with disabilities should be taken into account.


 




Access to and availability of
 affordable, accessible and quality services such as childcare, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, health services, 
rehabilitation
 and long-term care are essential for ensuring equal opportunities, including for children, young people, 
ethnic minorities and migrants
. 
Children living in poverty should have access to healthcare, education and childcare that are free of charge, and to decent housing and proper nutrition
. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty 
and
 social exclusion, including reducing in-work poverty, 
and discrimination
. Member States should ensure that everyone has access to essential services 
and that they are affordable
, including 
education, healthcare, housing, clean
 water, sanitation, energy, transport, financial services and digital communications. For those in need 
or in a
 vulnerable 
situation
, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing assistance as well as the right to appropriate assistance and protection against forced eviction. Homelessness should be tackled specifically. The specific needs 
as well as potential
 of people with disabilities should be taken into account. 
To that end, Member States should, inter alia, review their disability assessment systems to avoid creating barriers in access to the labour market.







Amendment 35


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




Member States should ensure that employers hiring persons with disabilities are provided with adequate support and advice. The provision of personal assistance in education and by employment services for people with disabilities should be promoted and supported.







Amendment 36


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 5









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Member States should ensure the right to timely access to affordable health care and long-term care of good quality, while safeguarding sustainability over the long run.


 


Member States should ensure the right to timely access to affordable 
and accessible
 health care and long-term care of good quality, while safeguarding sustainability over the long run.





Amendment 37


Proposal for a decision


Annex – guideline 8 – paragraph 6









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment







In a context of increasing longevity and demographic change
, Member States should secure the sustainability and adequacy of pension systems for women and men, providing equal opportunities for workers and the self-employed, 
of both sexes
, to acquire pension rights, 
including through supplementary schemes
 to ensure living in dignity. Pension reforms should be supported by measures that extend working lives 
and raise the effective retirement age, such as limiting early exit from the labour market and increasing the statutory retirement age to reflect life expectancy gains.
 Members States should establish a constructive dialogue with the 
relevant stakeholders
, and allow an appropriate phasing in of 
the
 reforms.


 


Member States should 
urgently
 secure the sustainability and adequacy of pension systems for women and men, providing equal opportunities for 
all
 workers and the self-employed to acquire 
adequate statutory
 pension rights to ensure living in dignity 
as well as aiming to ensure an adequate income for older people which is at least above poverty level. Non-discriminatory access to supplementary schemes should be provided, that can serve as a top-up of solid statutory pensions. Depending on Member States' institutional arrangements and national law, pensions based on the first pillar alone or in combination with the second pillar should establish an adequate replacement income based on a worker’s prior wages. Member States should provide adequate pension credits to persons who have spent time outside the labour market for the purpose of providing care on an informal basis
. Pension reforms, 
including a possible raise of the effective retirement age, should be framed within active and healthy ageing strategies and
 supported by measures that extend working lives 
for those wishing to work longer. Workers who are close to retirement should be given a choice to voluntarily reduce working hours.
 Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with the 
social partners and with civil society
, and allow an appropriate phasing in of 
all
 reforms.






(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0355.

(2)  OJ C 265, 11.8.2017, p. 201.

(3)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1–6.

(4)  OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1–5.

(5)  OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1–6.

(6)  COM(2017)0563 final - 2017/0244 (NLE)

(7)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1–6.

(8)  OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1–5.

(9)  OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1–6.

(10)  COM(2017)0563 final - 2017/0244 (NLE)

(11)  OJ L 308, 24.11.2010, p. 46–5.

(12)  OJ L 308, 24.11.2010, p. 46–5.

(13)  COM(2008)0639 final

(14)  COM(2008)0639 final

(15)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1–6.

(16)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1–6.

(17)  
Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23).