European Parliament legislative resolution of 18 October 2022 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (COM(2022)0241 — C9-0199/2022 — 2022/0165(NLE))
Date: 2022-10-18
Institutions: Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, European Parliament
Subjects: EU Member State, EU employment policy, equal treatment, job creation, labour market, marginalisation, social dialogue, social integration, working conditions








C_2023149EN.01006201.xml










28.4.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 149/62






P9_TA(2022)0359
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States *
European Parliament legislative resolution of 18 October 2022 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (COM(2022)0241 — C9-0199/2022 — 2022/0165(NLE))
(Consultation)
(2023/C 149/10)

The European Parliament,






—


having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2022)0241),










—


having regard to Article 148(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9-0199/2022),










—


having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure,










—


having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A9-0243/2022),












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.


Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for updated employment guidelines for the Member States, in particular its strong focus on the post-COVID 19 environment, on ensuring that the green and digital transitions are socially fair and economically sustainable, and on recent policy initiatives in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; 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 Council, in line with its legislative resolution of 10 July 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States;












4.


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












5.


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












6.


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





Amendment 1


Proposal for a decision


Recital - 1 (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(-1)






In order to create synergies and stimulate ambitious policies at Member State level, it is important to align the employment guidelines set out in the annex to this Decision with the Union’s headline targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction for 2030, agreed by Union leaders, Union institutions, the social partners and civil society representatives at the Porto Social Summit in 2021.











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 particularly for promoting 
a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce
, as well as labour markets that are future-oriented 
and
 responsive to 
economic
 change, with a view to achieving the 
objectives of
 full employment and social progress, 
balanced growth,
 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 are to coordinate their action in that respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.












(1)


The Union 
is
 to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for 
high levels of
 employment and particularly for promoting 
upward economic and social convergence, quality employment and improving working conditions, by supporting and complementing the activities of the Member States
, as well as labour markets that are future-oriented, responsive to change
, inclusive, resilient and stable and that offer opportunities for mobility and professional progress
, with a view to achieving the 
sustainable development of the Union, based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming to achieve
 full employment and social progress, 
and
 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) 
and Article 151 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), while at the same time respecting the objectives of the European Green Deal to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 2050
. Member States are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and are to coordinate their action in that respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.









Amendment 3


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(3)


In accordance with the TFEU, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for economic and employment policies. As part of those instruments, the Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States (the ‘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 (5) , form the Integrated Guidelines. 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 sustainable economic 
and
 employment policy mix, which should achieve positive spill over effects.












(3)


In accordance with the TFEU, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for economic and employment policies. As part of those instruments, the Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States(the ‘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 (5), form the Integrated Guidelines. 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, national 
and regional
 policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall sustainable economic, employment 
and social
 policy mix, which should achieve positive spill over effects 
for society, labour markets and the workforce, while striving to avoid any negative social or economic consequences, and effectively respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rising cost of living
.









Amendment 4


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(3a)






With a view to further enhancing the Union’s social model, Member States should promote decent wages, strengthen collective bargaining and ensure that labour markets are inclusive. In this regard, particular emphasis should be placed on women and disadvantaged groups, namely children, young people, older people, persons with disabilities, single parents, racial and ethnic minorities, such as Roma people and people with a migrant background, LGBTIQA+ people and people living in disadvantaged regions, including remote and rural regions, disadvantaged areas, islands and the outermost regions.











Amendment 5


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3 b (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(3b)






In order to enhance economic and social progress, to facilitate the twin transition and to achieve inclusive, competitive and resilient labour markets in the Union, Member States should promote quality education, training, upskilling and reskilling, as well as lifelong learning, future-oriented dual education and improved career opportunities through strengthening the links between the education system and the labour market and recognising skills, knowledge and competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning.











Amendment 6


Proposal for a decision


Recital 4








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(4)


The Guidelines are consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, existing Union legislation and various Union initiatives, including Council Directive of 20 July 2001 (6), Council Recommendations of 10 March 2014 (7), 15 February 2016 (8), 19 December 2016 (9), 15 March 2018 (10), 22 May 2018 (11), 22 May 2019 (12), 8 November 2019 (13), 30 October 2020 (14), 24 November 2020 (15), 29 November 2021 (16) Commission Recommendation of 4 March 2021 (17), Council Recommendation of 14 June 2021 (18), Council Resolution of 26 February 2021 (19), Commission Communication of 9 December 2021 (20), Decision of the EU Parliament and the Council of 22 December 2021 (21)

[, the Proposal for a
 Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union (22), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality (23), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability (24), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on individual learning accounts (25), the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 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 (26), the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving working conditions in platform work (27) and the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability] (28).












(4)


The Guidelines are consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, 
the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and
 existing Union legislation and various Union initiatives, including Council Directive of 20 July 2001 (6)

(the ‘Temporary Protection Directive’)
, Council Recommendations of 10 March 2014 (7), 
14 July 2015

 (7a)

,
15 February 2016 (8), 19 December 2016 (9), 15 March 2018 (10),22 May 2018 (11), 22 May 2019 (12), 8 November 2019 (13),30 October 2020 (14), 24 November 2020 (15), 29 November 2021 (16) Commission Recommendation of 4 March 2021 (17), Council Recommendation of 14 June 2021 (18), Council Resolution of 26 February 2021 (19), Commission Communication of 9 December 2021 (20), Decision of the EU Parliament and the Council of 22 December 2021 (21), the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union (22), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality (23), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability (24), the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on individual learning accounts (25), the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 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 (26)

, the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures

 (26a), the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving working conditions in platform work (27)

, the Proposal for Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a Social Climate Fund

 (27a) and the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability] (28).
















 

















































































 









 










Amendment 7


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 coordination and surveillance of economic 
and
 employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester 
integrates
 the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and of its monitoring tool, the Social Scoreboard, and 
provides
 for strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It 
supports
 the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Union’s and Member States’ economic and employment policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s fair transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable and digital economy, 
improve
 competitiveness
, ensure adequate
 working conditions
, foster
 innovation, 
promote
 social justice and equal opportunities, as well as 
tackle
 inequalities and regional disparities.












(5)


The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic, employment
, social and environmental
 policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, 
inclusiveness,
 fairness and stability, the European Semester 
should further integrate
 the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights 
(the ‘Pillar’), including Principle No 11 on childcare and support to children,
 and of its monitoring tool, the Social Scoreboard, and 
provide
 for strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It 
should support
 the delivery of the 
United Nation’s
 Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs), including SDG 1 on ‘No Poverty’, SDG 4 on ‘Quality Education’, SDG 5 on ‘Gender Equality’, SDG 7 on ‘Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 on ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ and SDG 10 on ‘Reduced Inequalities’. Inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all should be ensured and anchored in employment and social policies. Gender equality should be mainstreamed in all Union policies. The gender equality index could serve as one of the Semester’s tools to monitor progress towards employment and social targets and to measure the gender impact of employment and social policies
. The Union’s and Member States’ economic and employment policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s fair 
and just
 transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable
, socially inclusive
 and digital economy, 
ensuring upward social convergence, improving
 competitiveness 
in a sustainable way, supporting SMEs including microenterprises, ensuring decent
 working conditions 
and resilient social protection systems, fostering
 innovation, 
promoting
 social justice and equal opportunities 
for all, eradicating poverty, supporting and investing in children and young people
, as well as 
tackling social exclusion,
 inequalities
, intersectional discrimination
 and regional disparities
, particularly as regards remote and outermost regions
. 
There is a need to ensure quality and sustainable employment in close cooperation with social partners, based on legislative initiatives or a revision of existing legislation, where needed, in particular with a view to teleworking,


parental and care related leave, occupational health and safety, artificial intelligence (AI) at the workplace, a European Anti-poverty strategy, as well as a general legal framework on subcontracting, with increased transparency and recommendations on liability. A Union legislative act on the right to disconnect is currently discussed by European Social Partners in the context of their Framework Agreement on Digitalisation. This discussion should lead to minimum standards and conditions to ensure that workers are able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes. A common legal framework to ensure fair remuneration for internships, traineeships and apprenticeships should be introduced at Union level, in order to avoid the exploitation of young workers and the violation of their rights. Member States should ensure decent working conditions and access to social protection for interns, trainees and apprentices.











Amendment 8


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(5a)






In order to effectively eradicate risks at work, both mental and physical health should be protected; particular attention should be paid to workers’ exposure to harmful substances, but also to long working hours, psychosocial pressure, bad posture, repetitive movement and heavy lifting. Improved occupational health and safety is crucial to ensure decent working conditions, in particular in light of demographic changes and the already existing lack of qualified workers. There is therefore an urgent need for quality, safe and sustainable employment in line with the European Parliament’s resolutions of 10 March 2022 on a new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post 2020 and of 5 July 2022 on mental health in the digital world of work. Occupational medical services, including psychosocial support and regular, voluntary check-ups for all workers should therefore be strengthened.











Amendment 9


Proposal for a decision


Recital 6








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(6)


Climate change and environment-related challenges, the need to 
accelerate
 energy independence and ensure Europe’s open strategic autonomy, globalisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, an increase in teleworking, the platform economy 
and
 demographic change 
are
 transforming European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States are to work together to effectively and proactively address those structural developments and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets, and related policies. 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
, while implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights
. Such policy 
action
 should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced reforms that enhance economic growth, the creation of quality jobs, productivity, 
adequate
 working conditions, social and territorial cohesion, upward convergence, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility, with support from existing EU funding programmes, and in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Cohesion Policy Funds (including the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund) as well as the Just Transition Fund. It should combine supply- and demand-side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impacts.












(6)


Climate change and environment-related challenges, the need to 
achieve
 energy independence 
and a socially just green transition,
 and ensure Europe’s open strategic autonomy, globalisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, an increase in teleworking, the platform economy, demographic change 
and the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are deeply
 transforming European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States are to work together to effectively and proactively address those structural developments 
as well as inflation increases
 and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets, and related policies. This requires coordinated, 
intersectional,
 ambitious and effective policy action at Union, national 
and regional
 levels 
involving the social partners
, in accordance with the TFEU and 
the principle of subsidiarity, the Pillar and the objectives set out in the Commission’s Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights of 4 March 2021 (the ‘Action Plan’), as well as
 the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy 
actions
 should encompass a boost in sustainable 
public and private
 investment
, competitiveness and infrastructures
, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced reforms that enhance 
sustainable and inclusive
 economic growth, the creation of 
more
 quality jobs, productivity, 
decent
 working conditions, social and territorial cohesion, upward 
social
 convergence 
and economic prosperity, social justice, equal opportunities and inclusion, fair labour mobility
, resilience and the exercise of fiscal 
and social
 responsibility, with support from existing EU funding programmes, and in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Cohesion Policy Funds (including the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund) as well as the Just Transition Fund. It should combine supply- and demand-side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impacts. 
The activation of the general ‘escape clause’ of the Stability and Growth Pact in light of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020 allowed Member States to react swiftly and adopt emergency measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the pandemic. The specific nature of the macroeconomic shock resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the current cost of living crisis require continued fiscal space for Member States. Therefore, in line with the Commission’s opinion, the current context warrants the extension of the general ‘escape clause’ until the end of 2023 and its deactivation from 2024. Member States should make full use of the potential offered by the general ‘escape clause’ to support undertakings which are in difficulty or which lack liquidity, in particular SMEs, including microenterprises, to adopt targeted measures to safeguard jobs, wages and working conditions and to invest in people and social welfare systems. The potential risk for public finances, caused by the prolongation, as well as the potential social negative consequences of its deactivation should be evaluated ex-ante. A revision of the Stability and Growth Pact should therefore be carried out.











Amendment 10


Proposal for a decision


Recital 6 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(6a)






While teleworking has the potential to improve work-life balance, reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality, overcome geographical boundaries and enable previously excluded groups of workers to access the labour market, it also risks diluting boundaries between work and private life, with possible negative effects on workers’ fundamental rights and their physical and mental health. Similarly, AI solutions have the potential to improve working conditions and the quality of life, to facilitate accessibility for persons with disabilities and to predict labour market developments; yet they raise potential concerns as regards privacy, control of personal data, occupational health and safety, discrimination in recruitment as well as the amplification of racial and gender profiling, which should be addressed.











Amendment 11


Proposal for a decision


Recital 7








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(7)


The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission proclaimed the E
uropean
 Pillar 
of Social Rights

 (29). It sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems, structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion. The principles and rights give strategic direction to the Union making sure that the transitions to climate-neutrality and environmental sustainability, digitalisation and demographic change are socially fair and just. The 
European
 Pillar 
of Social Rights
, with its accompanying Social Scoreboard, constitutes a reference framework to monitor the employment and social performance of Member States, to drive reforms at national, regional and local level and to reconcile the ‘social’ and the ‘market’ in today’s 
modern
 economy, including by promoting the social economy. 
On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the ‘
Action Plan
’), including
 ambitious yet realistic headline targets and complementary sub-targets for 2030, in the areas of employment, skills, education and poverty reduction, as well as the revised Social Scoreboard.












(7)


The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission proclaimed the Pillar. It sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems, structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion. The principles and rights give strategic direction to the Union making sure that the transitions to climate-neutrality and environmental sustainability, digitalisation and demographic change are socially 
and geographically
 fair and just. The Pillar, with its accompanying Social Scoreboard, constitutes a reference framework to monitor the employment and social performance of Member States, to drive reforms at national, regional and local level and to reconcile the ‘social’ and the ‘market’ in today’s economy, including by promoting the social 
as well as the green, digital and circular
 economy. 
The
 Action Plan 
includes
 ambitious yet realistic headline targets and complementary sub-targets for 2030, in the areas of employment, skills, education and poverty reduction, as well as the revised Social Scoreboard. 
In that regard, fair labour mobility and the portability of rights and entitlements through better protection of mobile workers, including cross-border and seasonal workers, more effective labour inspectorates and the introduction of effective digital solutions should be ensured at Union, national and regional level.











Amendment 12


Proposal for a decision


Recital 8 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(8a)






Family-friendly policies and social investments in children, protecting them from poverty and helping all children to access their rights, such as the availability of good quality childcare and early childhood education and training, are essential for the children’s future, the sustainable development of society and a positive demographic development ensuring them a healthy environment and a safe climate. Member States should eradicate child poverty and focus their efforts on the effective implementation of Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee

 (1a)

and the national action plans adopted pursuant thereto, to ensure access to free quality services for all children in need, thereby ensuring children’s equal and effective access to free healthcare, free education, free childcare, adequate housing and healthy nutrition. To that end, the funding of the European Child Guarantee should be urgently increased with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion as repeatedly requested by the European Parliament. The European Child Guarantee should be mainstreamed across all policy sectors without delay and funding for children’s rights should be enhanced by making full use of existing Union policies and funds. Member States should further boost investment in sustainable, quality jobs and adopt a comprehensive approach for supporting parents of children in need. The Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion could contribute to the goal of reducing poverty by at least half in all Member States by 2030.











Amendment 13


Proposal for a decision


Recital 8 b (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 










(8b)






Homelessness is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion, which negatively affects people’s physical and mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life, as well as their access to employment and other economic and social services. The European Parliament, the Commission, national, regional and local authorities as well as Union level civil society organisations have agreed to launch the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness. With the ultimate objective of ending homelessness by 2030, they committed themselves to implementing the housing first principle, promoting the prevention of homelessness and providing access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and support services to homeless people, while putting in place the policy measures necessary, by using adequate national and Union funding. Member States should also work towards ensuring access to decent and affordable housing for all through national affordable housing plans, which should be included in their national reform programmes.











Amendment 14


Proposal for a decision


Recital 9








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(9)


Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Council, in its conclusions of 24 February 2022, condemned Russia’s actions, which seek to undermine European and global security and stability, and expressed solidarity to the Ukrainian people, underlining the violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. In the current context, temporary protection, as granted by the Council Decision of 4 March 2022 (30) activating the Temporary Protection Directive (31), is necessary in light of the scale of the influx of refugees and displaced persons. This allows Ukrainian refugees to enjoy harmonised rights across the Union that offer an adequate level of protection, including residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education and training, access to housing, as well as to social security systems, medical care, social welfare, or other assistance, and means of subsistence. By participating in Europe’s labour markets, Ukrainian refugees can contribute to strengthening the EU’s economy and help support their country and people at home. In the future, the acquired experience and skills can contribute to rebuilding Ukraine. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, temporary protection confers the right to legal guardianship and access to childhood education and care. Member States should involve social partners in the design, implementation and evaluation of policy measures aimed at addressing the employment and skills challenges stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Social partners play a key role in mitigating the impact of the war in terms of preserving employment and production.












(9)


Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Council, in its conclusions of 24 February 2022, condemned Russia’s actions, which seek to undermine European and global security and stability, and expressed solidarity to the Ukrainian people, underlining the violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. In the current context, temporary protection, as granted by the Council Decision of 4 March 2022 activating the Temporary Protection Directive (31), is necessary in light of the scale of the influx of refugees and displaced persons. This allows Ukrainian refugees to enjoy harmonised rights across the Union that offer an adequate level of protection, including residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education and training, access to housing, as well as to social security systems, medical care, social welfare, or other assistance, and means of subsistence. 
Particular attention should be paid to persons with disabilities in this context.
 By participating in Europe’s labour markets, Ukrainian refugees can contribute to strengthening the EU’s economy and help support their country and people at home
. As the majority of Ukrainian refugees are women and children, Member States should ensure sufficient support for housing and childcare provisions to facilitate their inclusion. Member States should also ensure that their implementation of the European Child Guarantee ensures access to free services of high quality for children fleeing Ukraine on an equal footing with their peers in the host country
. In the future, the acquired experience and skills can contribute to rebuilding Ukraine. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, temporary protection confers the right to legal guardianship and access to childhood education and care. Member States should involve social partners in the design, implementation and evaluation of policy measures aimed at addressing the employment and skills challenges stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine 
as well as the recognition of qualifications
. Social partners play a key role in mitigating the impact of the war in terms of preserving employment and production. 
Member States should consider extending the protection offered by the Temporary Protection Directive to all refugees and address employers’ concerns of hiring people with only a temporary status.











Amendment 15


Proposal for a decision


Recital 10








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(10)


Reforms to the labour market, including national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue, with a view to providing fair wages that enable a decent standard of living 
and
 sustainable growth. They should allow for the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic factors, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, the creation of quality jobs, working conditions, in-work poverty, education 
and
 skills, public health and inclusion, 
and
 real incomes. In this sense, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other EU funds are supporting Member States in implementing reforms and investments that are in line with the EU’s priorities, making the European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the green and digital transitions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further aggravated pre-existing socio-economic challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. Member States and the Union should continue to ensure that the social, employment and economic impacts are mitigated and that transitions are socially fair and just, also in light of the fact that increased open strategic autonomy and an accelerated green transition will help reduce the dependence on imports of energy and other strategic products/technologies, notably from Russia. Strengthening resilience and pursuing an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy, 
are essential
. A coherent set of active labour market policies, consisting of 
temporary hiring and
 transition incentives, 
skills policies
 and improved employment services, is needed to support labour market transitions, also in light of the green and digital transformations, as highlighted in Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 [and the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality].












(10)


Reforms to the labour market, including national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue, with a view to providing fair wages that enable a decent standard of living, sustainable growth 
and upward social and territorial convergence
. They should allow for the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic factors, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, the creation of quality jobs, 
decent
 working conditions, in-work poverty, 
gender equality,
 education
, training,
 skills 
and qualifications
, public health and 
social
 inclusion, 
as well as
 real incomes 
and purchasing power. Member States should therefore respect the right of collective bargaining and action as well as the freedom of assembly and association as set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and relevant international conventions. Moreover, Member States should strengthen the role of the social partners, foster work councils and workers’ representation, promote collective bargaining, and support a high trade union and employers’ association density in order to ensure an inclusive and socially fair recovery
. In this sense, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other EU funds are supporting Member States in implementing reforms and investments that are in line with the EU’s priorities, making the European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the green and digital transitions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further aggravated pre-existing socio-economic challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. Member States and the Union should continue to ensure that the social, employment and economic impacts are mitigated and that transitions are socially fair and just, also in light of the fact that increased open strategic autonomy and an accelerated green transition will help reduce the dependence on imports of energy and other strategic products/technologies, notably from Russia. 
With a view to
 strengthening resilience and pursuing an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy, 
a temporary European social resilience package, coordinating a set of measures and means to strengthen social welfare and social protection systems in the Union, including the continuation and refinancing of SURE for as long as the socio-economic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to have a negative impact on the labour market, in line with the European Parliament resolution of 19 May 2022 on the social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine — reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act and a social rescue facility with increased public support for existing instruments aimed at the poorest in our society should be established
. A coherent set of active labour market policies, consisting of transition incentives, 
the obtaining of qualifications, validation and the acquisition of competences as well as future-oriented education, life-long learning, VET, upskilling and reskilling
 and improved employment services, is needed to support labour market transitions, also in light of the green and digital transformations, as highlighted in Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 [and the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality]. 
A thorough evaluation of national policies and support schemes, which have been deployed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is needed to identify best practices and instruments for future use.











Amendment 16


Proposal for a decision


Recital 11








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(11)


Discrimination in all its forms should be 
tackled
, gender equality ensured and employment of young people 
supported
. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion, including that of children and Roma people, should be 
reduced
, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and adequate and inclusive social protection systems (32) , and by removing barriers to inclusive and future-oriented education, training and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care, and in digital and green skills. Timely and equal access to 
affordable
 long-term care and healthcare services, including prevention and healthcare promotion, are particularly 
relevant
, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic 
that started in 2020
 and in 
a
 context of ageing societies. The potential of persons with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised. As new economic and business models take hold in workplaces throughout the Union, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work 
maintain and strengthen Europe’s
 social 
model
.












(11)


Discrimination in all its forms should be 
eradicated
, gender equality ensured and employment of young people
, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, actively promoted
. 
Equal
 access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion, including that of children
, older people, persons with disabilities
 and Roma people, should be 
eliminated
, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and adequate and inclusive social protection systems (32), and by removing barriers to inclusive and future-oriented education, training
, lifelong learning, VET
 and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care, and in digital and green skills. Timely
, universal, effective
 and equal access to long-term care and healthcare services
, in line with the European Parliament’s European Parliament resolution of 5 July 2022 towards a common European action on care
, including prevention
, not least of mental health issues at the workplace in line with the European Parliament’s resolution of 5 July 2022 on mental health in the digital world of work,
 and healthcare promotion, are particularly 
needed
, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 
the
 context of ageing societies
. Ensuring occupational health and safety and healthy work-life balance for workers throughout their careers, is a prerequisite for a decent working life and active and healthy ageing
. The potential of persons with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised
, including through reasonable accommodation in the work place, in accordance with Council Directive 2000/78/EC

 (32a)

and in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
. As new economic and business models take hold in workplaces throughout the Union, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should 
further strengthen the European social model by ensuring that all workers have the same rights, decent working and employment conditions, and decent wages. Everyone has the right to fair, just, healthy and safe working conditions and appropriate protection in the digital environment as in the physical workplace, regardless of their employment status, working arrangements, the duration of their employment relationship, or the size of their employer. Moreover, Member States should tackle the exploitation of workers and all forms of precarious employment, including bogus self-employment, undeclared work, the abuse of atypical contracts and zero-hour contracts, and should
 ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work 
in accordance with Union and national law. Member States should also tackle the informal economy by transitioning informal workers to the formal economy. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged and occupational mobility facilitated, including via the portability of
 social 
security rights and the introduction of effective digital solutions
.









Amendment 17


Proposal for a decision


Recital 12








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment











(12)


The Integrated Guidelines should serve as a basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to Member States. Member States are to make full use of their REACT-EU resources established by Regulation (EU) 2020/2221 (33), which reinforces the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy funds and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) until 2023, and due to the current Ukrainian crisis, has been further enhanced by the Regulation on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) (34), and a further amendment to the Common Provisions Regulation (35) concerning increased pre-financing for REACT-EU and a new unit cost in order to help accelerate the integration of people leaving Ukraine into the EU (36). In addition, for the 2021-2027 programming period, Member States should fully utilise the European Social Fund Plus established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 (37), the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 (38), the Recovery and Resilience Facility, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 (39), and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 (40) as well as the InvestEU established by Regulation (EU) 2021/523 (41), to foster employment, social investments, social 
inclusion and
 accessibility, and to promote upskilling and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high-quality education and training for all, 
including
 digital literacy and skills. Member States are also to make full use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers established by Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of (42) to support workers made redundant as a result of major restructuring events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic transformations that are the result of 
more
 global trends, and technological and environmental 
changes
. 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 the social partners and representatives of civil society.












(12)


The Integrated Guidelines should serve as a basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to Member States. Member States are to make full use of their REACT-EU resources established by Regulation (EU) 2020/2221 (33), which reinforces the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy funds and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) until 2023, and due to the current Ukrainian crisis, has been further enhanced by the Regulation on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) (34), and a further amendment to the Common Provisions Regulation (35) concerning increased pre-financing for REACT-EU and a new unit cost in order to help accelerate the integration of people leaving Ukraine into the EU (36). In addition, for the 2021-2027 programming period, Member States should fully utilise the European Social Fund Plus established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 (37), the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 (38), the Recovery and Resilience Facility, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 (39),and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 (40) as well as the InvestEU established by Regulation (EU) 2021/523 (41), to foster 
sustainability and quality
 employment 
and
 social investments, 
to eradicate poverty, discrimination and
 social 
exclusion, to ensure
 accessibility, and to promote upskilling and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high-quality education and training for all, 
particularly
 digital literacy and skills
, in order to empower them with the knowledge and qualifications required for a digital, greener and more circular economy
. Member States are also to make full use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers established by Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of (42) to support workers made redundant as a result of major restructuring events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic transformations that are the result of global trends
, new global and financial and economic crisis
, and technological 
changes
 and environmental 
challenges
. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented
, examined
 in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely 
and actively
 involving parliaments 
at the respective level
, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society.

















































Amendment 18


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 5 — paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should actively promote 
a
 sustainable social market economy 
and facilitate
 and support investment in the creation of quality jobs
, also taking
 advantage of the potential linked to the digital and green transitions, 
in light of
 the 2030 EU headline target on employment. 
To that end, they
 should 
reduce the barriers that
 businesses 
face
 in hiring people, foster responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self-employment 
and,
 in particular, support the creation and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to finance. Member States should actively promote the development and tap the full potential of the social economy, foster social innovation and social enterprises, and encourage 
those
 business models 
creating
 quality job opportunities 
and generating
 social benefits at local level, in particular in the circular economy and in areas 
most affected by
 the transition to a green economy 
due to their sectoral specialisation,
.


Member States should actively promote 
full employment based on a competitive, innovative and
 sustainable social market economy and support investment in the creation of quality jobs
. Member States should implement smart, ambitious and inclusive employment policies to anticipate labour market shortages, in order to take
 advantage of the potential linked to the digital and green transitions, 
and reaching
 the 2030 EU headline target on employment. 
Member States
 should 
support
 businesses in hiring people 
and
 foster 
VET,
 responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self-employment
, including among women, young people, older people and other disadvantaged groups. They should
 in particular, support the creation and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to finance
, capacity building and guidance and targeted measures for hiring new and retaining existing staff.
 Members States should 
fully implement the Social Economy Action Plan and the European Green Deal and
 actively promote the development and tap the full potential of the social
, green and digital
 economy, foster social innovation and 
strengthen
 social enterprises, and encourage business models
, which create sustainable
 quality job opportunities
, in particular for disadvantaged groups, and generate
 social benefits at local level, in particular in the circular economy and in 
sectors and
 areas 
where more support is needed for
 the transition to a green 
and digital
 economy.





Amendment 19


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 5 — paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Following the COVID-19 crisis, well-designed short-time work schemes and similar arrangements should also facilitate and support restructuring processes, 
on top of preserving employment when appropriate,
 helping 
the modernisation of the
 economy, including via associated skills development. Well-designed hiring and transition incentives and upskilling and reskilling measures should be considered in order to support job creation and transitions, 
and
 address labour and skill shortages
, also
 in light of the digital and green transformations as well as 
of
 the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


Following the COVID-19 crisis, well-designed short-time work schemes and similar arrangements should 
preserve employment where possible and
 also facilitate and support restructuring processes, helping 
and empowering workers in the transition towards a sustainable
 economy, including via associated skills development. Well-designed hiring and transition incentives
, lifelong learning, VET
 and upskilling and reskilling measures should be considered in order to support job creation and 
manage
 transitions, 
as well as to
 address 
and anticipate
 labour and skill shortages 
and close the gap between education and the labour market,
 in light of the 
necessary
 digital and green transformations as well as 
to limit
 the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine 
and the rising cost of living in Europe
. 
Member States should adapt their employment policies and coordinate at Union level the implementation of best practices with regard to temporary measures that protect workers and labour markets in times of crisis and involve the social partners in that regard. Such measures could include wage subsidies, income support and extension of unemployment benefit schemes as well as the extension of paid sick leave, carers’ leave and teleworking arrangements. Member States should support the transformation of crucial economic sectors ensuring self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy. In view of facilitating fair labour mobility, particular attention should be paid to safeguarding the rights and jobs of mobile workers, the recognition of diplomas and the strengthening of cross-border education and exchange programmes. The European Labour Authority plays an important role in helping Member States and the Commission to ensure that Union rules on labour mobility and social security coordination are enforced in a fair, simple and effective way.







Amendment 20


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 5 — paragraph 3








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Taxation should 
be shifted away from labour to other sources more supportive of
 employment and inclusive growth 
and
 in line with climate and environmental objectives
, taking
 account of 
the redistributive
 effect of the tax system
, while protecting
 revenue for 
adequate
 social protection and 
growth-enhancing
 expenditure.




National
 taxation should 
support
 employment and inclusive growth in line with 
the policy objectives outlined in Article 3 TEU, as well as the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the
 climate and environmental objectives 
of the European Green Deal. Tax reforms should take
 account of 
their distributive
 effect of the tax system 
and protect
 revenue for 
public investment, in particular quality public services,
 social protection and 
sustainable growth enhancing
 expenditure.





Amendment 21


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 5 — paragraph 4








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States, including those with statutory minimum wages, should promote collective bargaining with a view to wage setting and ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner, allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments 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. Wage-setting mechanisms should take into account socio-economic conditions, including regional and sectoral developments. Respecting national practices and the autonomy of the social partners, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers have fair wages by benefitting, directly or indirectly, from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.




Policies to ensure that wages allow for a decent standard of living, including for disadvantaged groups, remain important to tackle in-work poverty.
 Member States, including those with statutory minimum wages, should promote collective bargaining with a view to wage setting and ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner, allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to 
long-term
 productivity developments and fostering fair wages that enable a decent standard of living 
for all workers
, paying particular attention to lower and middle income groups 
and their purchasing power
 with a view to strengthening upward socio-economic convergence. Wage-setting mechanisms should take into account socio-economic conditions, including regional and sectoral developments
, using, for example, a basket of goods and services at real prices established at national level or international or national reference values
. Respecting national practices and the autonomy of the social partners 
in line with the treaties
, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers have fair wages by benefitting, directly or indirectly, 
either
 from collective agreements or 
from
 adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation
, gender equality
 and in-work poverty. 
Without prejudice to the competence of Member States to set the statutory minimum wage and to allow for variations and deductions, it is important to avoid using variations and deductions widely, as they risk to negatively impact the adequacy of wages. They shall ensure that those variations and deductions respect the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality and pursue a legitimate aim in accordance with the Directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union

 (1a)

.







Amendment 22


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 5 — paragraph 4 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 




Recipients of Union funds shall respect applicable Union and national law on social and labour rights and taxation. Member States should ensure that public financial support provided to firms in order to combat the economic effects of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is conditional upon the funding being used to benefit employees and the recipient firms refraining from paying bonuses to management, paying out dividends or offering share buy-back schemes for as long as they are receiving this support.







Amendment 23


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 6 — paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





In the context of the digital and green transitions, demographic change and the 
Ukrainian war
, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and 
human capital,
 fostering acquisition of skills and competences throughout people’s lives and responding to current and future labour-market needs, in light of the 2030 EU headline target on skills. Member States should also adapt and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education, 
including
 vocational education and training, access to digital learning, and language training (e.g. in the case of refugees including from Ukraine). Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour-market relevance, 
also with a view to enabling
 the green and digital transitions, addressing existing skills mismatches and preventing the emergence of new shortages, in particular for activities related to REPowerEU, such as renewable energy deployment 
or buildings’
 renovation. Particular attention should be paid to challenges faced by the teaching profession, including by investing in teachers’ and trainers’ digital competences. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences, to lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life. Member States should seek to strengthen the provision of individual training entitlements and ensure their transferability during professional transitions, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts, as well as a reliable system of training quality assessment. Member States should deliver on the potential of micro-credentials to support lifelong learning and employability. 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 guidance and counselling,
 with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, 
strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour-market shortages and skills mismatches, improving
 the overall resilience of the economy 
to shocks and making
 potential adjustments 
easier
.


In the context of the digital and green transitions, demographic change and the 
Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the rising cost of living
, Member States should promote 
social rights,
 sustainability, productivity, employability and 
investments in workers and people by
 fostering acquisition of skills and competences throughout people’s lives and responding to current and future labour-market needs, in light of the 2030 EU headline target on skills
, in particular digital skills
. Member States should also adapt
, modernise
 and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education, 
in particular
 vocational education and training
, entrepreneurial knowledge, including social entrepreneurship
, access to digital learning, and language training (e.g. in the case of 
all
 refugees including 
those
 from Ukraine)
, as well as formal and informal lifelong learning
. Member States should work together with the social partners
, regional and local authorities
, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural 
and emerging
 weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour-market relevance, 
to further support and accelerate
 the green and digital transitions, addressing existing skills mismatches
, skills obsolescence
 and preventing the emergence of new shortages, in particular for activities related to REPowerEU, such as renewable energy deployment
, energy efficiency and deep
 renovation 
of buildings. Member States should address


the needs of sectors and regions with structural labour market and skills shortages, inter alia with a view to simultaneously enabling the green, technological and digital transitions. Member States should support and encourage undertakings to invest in the skills of their staff and to provide decent working and employment conditions to attract qualified workers. Moreover, Member States should use all available resources of the ESF+ and other Union programmes and instruments, such as the Next Generation EU, to strengthen the qualifications of young people and to promote dual education systems
. Particular attention should be paid to challenges faced by the teaching profession, including by investing in teachers’ and trainers’ digital competences 
as well as their knowledge regarding climate change and sustainable development
. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal 
formal and informal
 competences
, such as communication and critical thinking
, to lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life 
and should prepare teachers for being able to provide those competences to their learners
. 
In order to foster learner’s development and mobility in view of the 2030 target for increasing annual adult participation in training to 60 %,
 Member States should seek to strengthen the provision of individual training entitlements and ensure their transferability during professional transitions, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts, as well as a reliable system of training quality assessment. Member States should deliver on the potential of micro-credentials to support lifelong learning and employability. They should 
simultaneously ensure that the humanistic side of education is preserved
 and the 
aspirations of individuals respected.
 With a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, 
as well as to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs, it is crucial that Member States improve
 the overall resilience of the economy
. They should facilitate decent working conditions and
 potential adjustments 
through continuous upskilling and reskilling, through strengthening of the social protection systems and services and through providing integrated guidance and counselling, as well as active labour market policies also in view of future economy shocks
.





Amendment 24


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 6 — paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by 
addressing
 inequalities in education and training systems. In particular, children should be provided access to 
good
 quality early childhood education and care, in line with the European Child Guarantee. Member States should raise overall qualification levels, reduce the number of early leavers from education and training, support access to education of children from 
remoted areas
, increase the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET), access to and completion of tertiary education, facilitate the transition from education to employment for young people through quality traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and the least qualified. Taking into account the new requirements of digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their VET systems, including through quality and effective apprenticeships, and increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates both in VET and in tertiary education, especially women. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary education and, where appropriate, research; improve skills monitoring and forecasting; make skills more visible and qualifications 
comparable
, including those acquired abroad; and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and uptake of flexible 
continuous
 VET. Member States should also support low-skilled adults to maintain or develop their long-term employability by boosting access to and uptake of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways Recommendation including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour-market opportunities
, and the validation and recognition
 of the 
skills acquired
.


Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by 
eradicating
 inequalities in education and training systems. In particular, children should be provided 
equal
 access to 
high
 quality early childhood education and care, in line with the European Child Guarantee 
and the Barcelona targets
. Member States should raise overall qualification levels, reduce the number of early leavers from education and training, support access to education of children from 
disadvantaged groups and regions
, increase the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET), 
promote
 access to and completion of tertiary education, facilitate the transition from education to employment for young people through 
paid inclusive
 quality traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and the least qualified. Taking into account the new requirements of digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their VET systems, including through 
paid inclusive
 quality and effective apprenticeships, and 
ensure continuous investment in lifelong learning,
 increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates both in VET and in tertiary education, especially women. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary education and, where appropriate, research; 
strengthen dual training,
 improve skills monitoring and forecasting; make skills more visible and 
simplify the comparability and recognition of
 qualifications, including those acquired abroad; and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training 
also for third country nationals
. They should upgrade and increase the 
continuous
 supply and uptake of 
more
 flexible 
and inclusive
 VET. Member States should 
support job creation and invest in social protection schemes, including for persons with disabilities and workers with difficulties in upskilling and reskilling, and
 also support low-skilled adults 
to gain access to the labour market and stable quality employment. It is important in this context
 to maintain or develop their long-term employability by boosting access to and uptake of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways Recommendation including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour-market opportunities
. The right to paid educational leave for professional purposes should be encouraged, in line with relevant conventions
 of the 
International Labour Organization (ILO), which allow workers to attend training programmes during working hours
. 
Member States should take the necessary measures to promote universal, effective and equal access to distance learning and training, taking full account of the needs of persons with disabilities, persons living in remote areas and parents, especially single parents.







Amendment 25


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 6 — paragraph 3








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 search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to 
vulnerable
 groups and people 
particularly affected by
 the green and digital transitions. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessments of unemployed people 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 and structural unemployment. Youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) should continue to be addressed through prevention of early school leaving and structural improvement of the school-to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, which should also 
importantly
 support quality youth employment 
opportunities
 in the post-pandemic recovery. In addition, and in the light of the European Year of the Youth 2022, Member States should boost efforts 
notably
 at highlighting how the green and digital transitions offer a renewed perspective for the future and opportunities to counter the negative impact of the pandemic on young people.


Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people 
in working age, in particular the long-term unemployed,
 with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance 
to improve their labour market prospects,
 based on support for job search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services, 
also in the areas of health and housing,
 paying particular attention to 
disadvantaged
 groups and people 
in need of extra support to manage
 the green and digital transitions. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessments of unemployed people should be pursued as soon as possible, at the latest after 18 months of unemployment with a view to significantly reducing long-term and structural unemployment 
and at the latest after 8 months for newly unemployed workers to prevent the risk of long-term unemployment, with a special focus on persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. Member States should, with the involvement of the social partners, facilitate job transitions, supported by the ESF+, the Just Transition Fund and initiatives such as RePowerEU
. Youth unemployment
, precarious employment of young people
 and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) should continue to be addressed 
as a priority
 through prevention of early school leaving
, including paid inclusive apprenticeships
 and structural improvement of the school-to-work transition, including through the full 
and effective
 implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee 
and use of relevant Union funding such as from the ESF+ and the Recovery and Resilience Facility
, which should also support quality youth employment in the post-pandemic recovery
. Moreover, Member States should ensure decent working conditions and access to social protection for interns, trainees and apprentices
. In addition, and in the light of the European Year of the Youth 2022, Member States should boost efforts at highlighting how the green and digital transitions offer a renewed perspective for the future and opportunities to counter the negative impact of the pandemic on young people. 
Member States should consider implementing a youth clause assessing the impact on young people for new initiatives across all policy areas.







Amendment 26


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 6 — paragraph 4








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should aim to remove barriers and disincentives to, and provide incentives for
, participation
 in the labour market, in particular for 
low-income earners, second earners
 and those furthest away from the labour market including people with a migrant background and marginalised Roma. In view of high labour shortages in certain occupations and sectors, Member States should contribute to fostering labour supply, notably through promoting 
adequate
 wages and 
decent
 working conditions, as well as effective active labour market policies. Member States should also support an 
adapted
 work environment for persons with disabilities, including through targeted financial support 
and
 services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society.


Member States should aim to remove barriers and disincentives to, and provide incentives for 
accessing and participating
 in the labour market, in particular for 
disadvantaged groups
 and those furthest away from the labour market including 
persons with disabilities,
 people with a migrant background and marginalised Roma. In view of high labour shortages in certain occupations and sectors, Member States should contribute to fostering labour supply, notably through promoting 
decent
 wages and working conditions, as well as effective active labour market policies. Member States should also support an 
accessible
 work environment for persons with disabilities 
and the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace
, including through targeted financial support
, products,
 services 
and an environment
 that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society. 
Regulated teleworking and new technologies can provide opportunities, in particular for disadvantaged groups, as long as the necessary digital infrastructure is in place, which is affordable and accessible for all. Teleworking, however, should not release employers from the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation in the workplace and to create inclusive workplace cultures for workers with disabilities.







Amendment 27


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 6 — paragraph 5








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





The gender employment 
and pay
 gaps should be 
tackled
. Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities and career progression and eliminating barriers to access to leadership at all levels of decision making. 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,
 quality 
long-term
 care and early childhood education and care services. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family-related leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of those entitlements between women and men.


The 
existing
 gender employment
, pay and pension
 gaps should be 
closed
. Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities
, education
 and career progression and eliminating barriers to access to leadership at all levels of decision making. 
Member States should swiftly implement the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures

 (1a)

. Member States should ensure that periods of maternity and parental leave are adequately valued in terms of both contributions and pension entitlements, to reflect the importance of raising future generations, especially in the context of an ageing society.
 Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay transparency should be 
effectively
 ensured 
in line with the treaties, for example by establishing national wage equity indexes comparing men and women in all their diversity
. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through 
universal and effective
 access to quality 
long- term
 care and early childhood education and care services 
as well as the equal sharing of care and domestic responsibilities
. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family-related leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of those entitlements between women and men. 
Moreover, they should ensure access to quality professional training for care workers, the recognition of their qualifications and support employers in the care sector to find and retain qualified staff, with a special focus on decent working conditions. Member States should progressively advance towards fully paid and equal length maternity and paternity leave.







Amendment 28


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce and new work patterns and business models Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within 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 all provide 
both a suitable environment for recruitment and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while protecting
 labour rights 
and ensuring
 social protection
, an appropriate level of security and healthy, safe and
 well-adapted working environments for all workers. Promoting the use of flexible working arrangements such as teleworking can contribute to higher employment levels and more inclusive labour markets in the context of the post-pandemic environment. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the workers’ rights in terms of working time, working conditions, and work-life balance are respected. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be 
prevented
, including in the case of platform workers, especially if low-skilled, 
and
 by fighting abuse of atypical contracts. Access to effective, impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.


In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce and new work patterns and business models Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations 
for workers and employers. The Commission and the Member States should take concrete measures to promote and strengthen collective bargaining and social dialogue in this regard
. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within 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 all provide 
for the protection of
 labour rights
, a high level of
 social protection 
and secure employment, inclusive recruitment, health and safety at work, as well as
 well-adapted working environments for all workers
. At the same time, Member States should ensure a suitable environment for undertakings to thrive and the flexibility for employers to adapt to changes
. Promoting the use of flexible working arrangements 
agreed between employers and workers or their representatives,
 such as teleworking, can contribute to higher employment levels and more inclusive labour markets in the context of the post-pandemic environment
, especially for single parents, persons with disabilities and persons living in rural and remote regions
. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the workers’ rights in terms of working time, working conditions, 
including occupational health and safety, as well as social protection
 and work-life balance are respected. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions 
and unfair competition
 should be 
urgently tackled
, including in the case of platform workers, especially if low-skilled, by fighting abuse of atypical contracts
. Member States should ensure that all workers enjoy decent working conditions, social rights and access to adequate social protection. To that end, Member States should fully implement the ILO’s Labour Inspection Convention No 81 and invest in effective labour inspections by empowering competent authorities and coordinate their efforts to combat cross-border abuse


in the framework of the European Labour Authority
. Access to effective, impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal. 
Member States should draw on European agencies and the Union-wide network of public employment services (PES) to identify evidence-based best practices, encourage bench-learning and promote greater coordination of employment policies.







Amendment 29


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market participation, matching and transitions, 
including
 in disadvantaged regions. Member States should effectively 
activate and
 enable those who can participate in the labour market, especially 
vulnerable
 groups such as 
lower-skilled
 people, people with a migrant background, including persons under a temporary protection status, and marginalised Roma. Member States should strengthen the scope and effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach and coverage and by better linking them with social services, training and income support for the unemployed, whilst they are seeking 
work and
 based on their rights and responsibilities. Member States should enhance the capacity of public employment services to provide timely and tailor-made assistance to jobseekers, respond to current and future labour-market needs, and implement performance-based management, supported also via digitalisation.


Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market participation, matching and transitions, 
in particular the green and digital transition, also
 in disadvantaged 
regions and areas, including remote and rural regions, islands and outermost
 regions. Member States should effectively enable those who can participate in the labour market 
to find quality employment
, especially 
disadvantaged
 groups such as 
young and older
 people
, people with lower skills, informal workers, persons with disabilities
, people with a migrant background, including persons under a temporary protection status, and marginalised Roma. Member States should strengthen the scope and effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach and coverage and by better linking them with social services, training and 
decent
 income support for the unemployed, whilst they are seeking 
quality employment,
 based on their rights and responsibilities. Member States should enhance the capacity of public employment services to provide timely and tailor-made assistance to jobseekers, respond to current and future labour-market needs 
as well as the aspirations of jobseekers
, and implement performance-based management, supported also via digitalisation. 
Member States should ensure that these services and support are offered online and offline in order to be accessible for all, including for older people and persons with disabilities, to ensure that no one is left behind.







Amendment 30


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — 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. 
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 reasonable duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. 
Such
 benefits 
shall not constitute a disincentive for a quick
 return to employment 
as outlined in Principle No 13 of the Pillar
 and should be accompanied by active labour market policies.





Amendment 31


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 4








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





The mobility of learners and workers should be 
adequately
 supported 
with the aim of enhancing
 their skills and employability 
and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, while also ensuring fair
 conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity 
and stepping up
 administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers, benefitting from the assistance of the European Labour Authority. The mobility of workers in critical occupations and of cross-border, seasonal and posted workers should be supported in the cases of temporary border closures 
triggered by public
 health 
considerations
.




Member States should support labour mobility throughout the Union to overcome regional and sectoral labour market shortages and make use of the full potential of the Union’s labour market, while effectively tackling the negative impact of the ‘brain-drain’ in certain regions. At the same time,
 the mobility of learners and workers should be supported 
to increase
 their 
knowhow,
 skills and employability
, in particular by further strengthening Erasmus +. Member States should ensure the rights and decent working and employment
 conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity
, as well as the portability of social security rights and entitlements through improved
 administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers, benefitting 
as well
 from the assistance of the European Labour Authority. The 
fair labour
 mobility of workers in critical occupations and of cross-border 
workers, including frontier
, seasonal and posted workers should be supported 
and their rights should be respected also
 in the cases of temporary border closures
, for instance in terms of
 health 
and safety, tax residency and social security coordination
.





Amendment 32


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 4 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 




Member States should cooperate in coordinating social security for mobile workers, including self-employed workers who work in another Member State. The modernisation of social security systems should be conducive to the principles of the Union’s labour market providing for sustainable national social security systems that avoid any gaps in protection and ultimately ensures a productive workforce. To that end, Member States should enhance, through their national plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other Union instruments, the digitalisation of public services in order to improve the quality of their work, in particular by fully implementing the system for electronic exchange of social security information. Member States should increase cross-border partnerships and better promote and use other relevant European tools, such as the European Employment Services Network (EURES) and the PES network, to support mobile workers, in particular by providing them with comprehensive information on job opportunities and social protection.







Amendment 33


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 5








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should also strive to create the appropriate conditions for new forms of work, delivering on their job-creation potential while ensuring they are compliant with existing social rights. Member States should thus 
provide advice and guidance on
 the rights and obligations applying in the context of atypical contracts and new forms of work, such as work through digital platforms. In this regard, social partners can play an instrumental role and Member States should support them in reaching out and representing people in atypical and platform work. Member States should also provide support for enforcement 
– such as
 guidelines or dedicated trainings for labour inspectorates — concerning the challenges stemming from new forms of organising work, such as algorithmic management, data surveillance and permanent or semi-permanent telework.


Member States should also strive to create the appropriate conditions for new forms of work, delivering on their job-creation potential while ensuring they are compliant with existing 
labour law and
 social rights. Member States should thus 
ensure
 the rights and obligations applying in the context of atypical contracts and new forms of work, such as work through digital platforms
, and provide advice and guidance where necessary. At the same time, Member States should foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment in line with the Pillar
. In this regard, social partners can play an instrumental role and Member States should support them in reaching out and representing people in atypical and platform work 
while facilitating collective representation and action for genuinely self-employed persons
. Member States should also provide support for enforcement
, including through the provision of adequate human and financial resources,
 guidelines or dedicated trainings for labour inspectorates concerning the challenges stemming from new forms of organising work, such as algorithmic management, data surveillance and permanent or semi-permanent telework
, as well as effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties
.





Amendment 34


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 6








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Building on existing national practices, and in order to achieve more effective social dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, including in crisis times like 
with the war in
 Ukraine, Member States should ensure 
the
 timely and meaningful involvement 
of the social partners
 in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic reforms and policies
, including by supporting increased capacity of the social partners
. Member States should foster social dialogue and collective bargaining. The 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.


Building on existing national practices, and in order to 
promote and
 achieve more effective 
and intensive
 social dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, including in crisis times like 
the Russian invasion of
 Ukraine
, the rising cost of living and the accelerating climate change
, Member States should 
support the strengthening of social partners at all levels and
 ensure 
their
 timely and meaningful involvement in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic 
and environmental
 reforms and policies. Member States should foster 
and promote
 social dialogue and 
the extension of
 collective bargaining 
coverage
. The 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.





Amendment 35


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 7








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Where relevant, and building on existing national practices, Member States should take into account relevant civil society organisations’ experience of employment 
and
 social issues.


Where relevant, and building on existing national practices, Member States should take into account relevant civil society organisations’ 
expertise and
 experience of employment, social 
and environmental
 issues
, including those representing and working closely with disadvantaged groups, facing barriers to the labour market and quality employment
. 
Moreover, Member States should support civil society organisations that provide not-for-profit social and employment services.







Amendment 36


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 7 — paragraph 7 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





 




A healthy and safe workplace is vital. Member States should support and ensure that employers comply with health and safety regulations and provide workers and their representatives with adequate information, make risk assessments and take preventive measures. This should include reducing to zero the number of fatal accidents at work and cases of occupational cancer by establishing, among others, binding occupational exposure limit values on hazardous substances in the workplace. In this regard, Member States should take into account the impact of occupational psychosocial risks, occupational diseases, as well as risks related to climate change, such as heatwaves, droughts or wildfires, on the health and safety of workers, in particular in the construction sector, the agricultural sector and public service sector. Member States should address and anticipate the impact of present and future crises on the labour market, also in the context of the climate emergency and Europe’s open strategic autonomy, by supporting workers who are temporarily unemployed or on short-time work because employers are forced to suspend carrying out activities or providing services as well as by supporting self-employed workers and small businesses so that they are able to retain staff and maintain their activities or services.







Amendment 37


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — 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 fight all forms of discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, with due attention to the regional and territorial dimension. They should ensure equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, health 
and
 long-term care, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.


Member States should promote 
social rights and
 inclusive labour markets, 
accessible
 to all, by putting in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and 
stereotypes and to
 promote equal opportunities for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented 
or disadvantaged
 in the labour market, with due attention to the regional and territorial dimension. They should ensure equal 
pay for equal work or work of equal value, personalised support for jobseekers as well as equal
 treatment 
and rights
 regarding employment, social protection, health 
care, childcare,
 long-term care, education and access to 
housing,
 goods and services, regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, 
social background,
 religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.





Amendment 38


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should modernise social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient and sustainable social protection for all, throughout all stages of life, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation, supporting social investment, 
fighting
 poverty and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems and by assessing the distributional impact of policies. Complementing universal approaches with 
selective
 ones will 
improve
 the effectiveness of social protection 
systems. The modernisation of
 social protection systems 
should also aim to improve their resilience
 to multi-faceted challenges.


Member States should modernise 
and invest in
 social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient and sustainable social protection for all, throughout all stages of life, fostering social inclusion and upward social 
convergence and
 mobility, 
supporting and
 incentivising labour market participation 
and access to quality employment
, supporting social investment, 
eradicating
 poverty
, including in-work poverty,
 and addressing inequalities, including through the 
progressive
 design of their tax and benefit systems and by assessing the distributional impact of policies. Complementing universal approaches with 
targeted
 ones will 
enhance
 the effectiveness of social protection
. Member States should improve the resilience and sustainability of their
 social protection systems to multi-faceted challenges.





Amendment 39


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 3








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





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 systems should ensure adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources and promote social inclusion by encouraging people to actively participate in the labour market and society, including through targeted provision of social services.


Member States should develop and integrate the three strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services, to meet individual needs. Social protection systems should ensure adequate minimum income (1a) benefits 
accessible
 for everyone lacking sufficient resources 
in order to ensure a life in dignity
 and promote social inclusion by 
supporting and
 encouraging people to actively participate 
and reintegrate
 in the labour market and society, including through targeted provision of 
and access to enabling goods and
 social services. 
Accessibility to social protection systems should be monitored and evaluated from a rights-based approach.







Amendment 40


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 4








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment







The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, housing, and health and long-term care is a
 necessary 
condition for ensuring equal opportunities
. Particular attention should be 
given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, including in-work poverty, in line with the 2030 EU headline target on poverty reduction
. Especially child poverty should be addressed by comprehensive and integrated measures, in particular through the full implementation of the European Child Guarantee.




Taking into consideration the continuing alarming levels of poverty, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rising cost of living, and the accelerating climate change, more efforts are
 necessary 
to fight poverty and social exclusion, through a horizontal strategy on in-work poverty, energy and mobility poverty, food poverty and homelessness
. Particular attention should be 
paid to children, older people, single parents, in particular single mothers, ethnic minorities, migrants and persons with disabilities in this context
. Especially child poverty should be addressed by comprehensive and integrated measures, in particular through the full implementation of the European Child Guarantee 
and an increase of the dedicated budget to at least EUR 20 billion, in line with the European Parliament resolution of 19 May 2022 on the social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine — reinforcing the EU’s capacity to act
. 
Member States should submit their European Child Guarantee national action plans to combat child poverty and fostering equal opportunities by guaranteeing for children in need effective and free access to healthcare, education and school-based activities, early childhood education and childcare, as well as effective access to adequate housing and healthy nutrition in line with the 2030 EU headline target to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion by at least 15 million, including at least 5 million children. All Member States should spend more than 5 % of their allocated funds under the ESF+ on fighting child poverty and promote children’s well-being.







Amendment 41


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 5








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should guarantee access to 
adequate
 social housing or housing assistance. They should ensure a clean and fair energy transition and address energy poverty as an increasingly important form of poverty due to rising energy prices, 
partly linked to the war in Ukraine,
 including, where appropriate, via targeted temporary income support measures. Inclusive housing renovation policies should also be implemented. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services. Homelessness should be 
tackled specifically
. Member States should ensure 
timely
 access to 
affordable
 preventive and curative health care and long-term care of 
good
 quality
, while safeguarding sustainability in the long term
.


Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services 
of good quality
. For those in need or in a vulnerable 
or disadvantaged
 situation, Member States should guarantee access to 
decent
 social housing or housing assistance
, tackle forced evictions and their consequences, invest in an accessible housing for persons with reduced mobility and take measures to ensure a fair and inclusive transition as regards improving the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock
. They should ensure a clean and fair energy transition and address energy poverty as an increasingly important form of poverty due to rising energy prices, including, where appropriate, via targeted temporary income support measures 
and structural investments
. Inclusive housing renovation policies
, to ensure accessible, affordable and healthy housing,
 should also be implemented 
to prevent that the cost of living for tenants increases disproportionally
. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services. Homelessness should be 
eradicated by 2030, in line with the European Parliament resolution of 24 November 2020 on tackling homelessness rates in the EU, taking the Housing First approach as a basis
. 
The COVID-19 crisis demonstrates the need for more public investment to ensure sufficient levels of well-trained medical and care staff and access to healthcare for all, including disadvantaged groups. Therefore,
 Member States should ensure 
effective and equal
 access to 
sustainable
 preventive and curative 
public health care, particularly mental
 health care and long-term care of 
high
 quality.





Amendment 42


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 6








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





In line with the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive (43), Member States should offer an adequate level of protection to refugees from Ukraine, including residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education, training and housing, as well as access to social security systems, medical 
care
 social welfare or other assistance, and means of subsistence. Children should be ensured access to childhood education and care and essential services 
in line
 with the European Child Guarantee. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, Member States should implement the right to legal guardianship.


In line with the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive (43), Member States should offer an adequate level of protection to refugees from Ukraine, including 
Roma and third-country nationals legally residing in Ukraine and fleeing to Europe as a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
 Residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education, 
language support,
 training and housing, as well as access to social security systems, medical 
and psychosocial care,
 social welfare or other assistance, and means of subsistence 
should be provided in this regard
. Children should be ensured access to 
free quality
 childhood education and care and essential services 
on equal basis with their peers in the host Member State in line
 with the European Child Guarantee. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, Member States should implement the right to legal guardianship. 
Member States should consider extending the protection offered by the Temporary Protection Directive to all refugees and address employers’ concerns of hiring people with only a temporary status.







Amendment 43


Proposal for a decision


Annex I — Guideline 8 — paragraph 7








Text proposed by the Commission




Amendment





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 
an adequate
 income 
in old age
. Pension reforms should be 
supported by policies that aim to reduce the gender pension gap and
 measures 
that extend
 working lives, 
such as by raising the effective retirement age, notably by facilitating labour market participation of older persons, and
 should 
be framed within active ageing strategies
. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners and other relevant stakeholders, and allow for an appropriate phasing in of 
the
 reforms.


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 
individuals
 to acquire and accrue pension rights 
in public or occupational schemes or a mix along with
 supplementary schemes 
in order
 to ensure 
a decent retirement
 income 
above the poverty line
. Pension reforms should be 
based on active ageing through optimising opportunities for workers of all ages to work in good quality, productive and healthy conditions until 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. Specific
 measures 
should be identified in the field of workforce demography, health and safety at the workplace, education and training, skills and competence management, work organisation for healthy and productive
 working lives, 
with an inter-generational approach. Member States
 should 
facilitate youth employment and pre-retirement transition, together with the transfer of knowledge and experience from one generation to the next
. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners
, civil society organisations
 and other relevant stakeholders and allow for an appropriate phasing in of reforms 
as well as a change in the perception of older workers and their employability
. 
Furthermore, Member States should draw up healthy ageing plans that cover access to health and care services, as well as strategies for health promotion and prevention.








(5)  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).

(5)  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).

(6)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212, 7.8.2001, P. 0012 — 0023)

(7)  Council Recommendation of 10 March 2014 on a Quality Framework for Traineeships (OJ C 88, 27.3.2014, p. 1).

(8)  Council Recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1).

(9)  Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 on Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults (OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1).

(10)  Council Recommendation of 15 March 2018 on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (OJ C 153, 2.5.2018, p. 1).

(11)  Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning (OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1).

(12)  Council Recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 4).

(13)  Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1).

(14)  Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs — Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (OJ C 372, 4.11.2020, p. 1).

(15)  Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 1).

(16)  Council Recommendation of 29 November 2021 on blended learning approaches for high-quality and inclusive primary and secondary education (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1–21)

(17)  Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 of 4 March 2021 on an effective active support to employment following the COVID-19 crisis (EASE) (OJ L 80, 8.3.2021, p. 1).

(18)  Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (OJ L 223, 22.6.2021, p. 14).

(19)  Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030) (2021/C66/01) (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1–21)

(20)  Commission Communication COM(2021)0778 of 9 December 2021 on building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy

(21)  Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (OJ L 462, 28.12.2021, p. 1–9)

(22)  COM/2020/682 final

(23)  COM/2021/801 final

(24)  COM/2021/770 final

(25)  COM/2021/773 final

(26)  COM/2021/93 final

(27)  COM/2021/762 final

(28)  COM/2022/11 final

(6)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212, 7.8.2001, p. 12).

(7)  Council Recommendation of 10 March 2014 on a Quality Framework for Traineeships (OJ C 88, 27.3.2014, p. 1).

(7a)  
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).



(8)  Council Recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1).

(9)  Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 on Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults (OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1).

(10)  Council Recommendation of 15 March 2018 on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (OJ C 153, 2.5.2018, p. 1).

(11)  Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning (OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1).

(12)  Council Recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 4).

(13)  Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1).

(14)  Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs — Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (OJ C 372, 4.11.2020, p. 1).

(15)  Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 1).

(16)  Council Recommendation of 29 November 2021 on blended learning approaches for high-quality and inclusive primary and secondary education (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1).

(17)  Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 of 4 March 2021 on an effective active support to employment following the COVID-19 crisis (EASE) (OJ L 80, 8.3.2021, p. 1).

(18)  Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (OJ L 223, 22.6.2021, p. 14).

(19)  Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030) (2021/C66/01) (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1).

(20)  Commission Communication COM(2021)0778 of 9 December 2021 on building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy

(21)  Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (OJ L 462, 28.12.2021, p. 1).

(22)  
Not yet published in the Official Journal of the European Union.



(23)  COM(2021)0801.

(24)  COM(2021)0770.

(25)  COM(2021)0773.

(26)  COM(2021)0093.

(26a)  
Not yet published in the Official Journal of the European Union.



(27)  COM(2021)0762.

(27a)  
COM(2021)0568.



(28)  COM(2022)0011.

(29)  
Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10).



(1a)  
Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (OJ L 223, 22.6.2021, p. 14).



(30)  
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC, and having the effect of introducing temporary protection.



(31)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof.

(31)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212, 7.8.2001, p. 12).

(32)  Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed, 2019/C 387/01

(32)  Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed, 2019/C 387/01 (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1).

(32a)  
Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16).



(33)  Regulation (EU) 2020/2221 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards additional resources and implementing arrangements to provide assistance for fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences and for preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy (REACT-EU) (OJ L 437, 28.12.2020, p. 30).

(34)  Regulation (EU) 2022/562 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 amending regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 223/2014 as regards cohesion’s action for refugees in Europe (CARE)

(35)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159–706)

(36)  Regulation (EU) 2022/613 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 April 2022 amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 223/2014 as regards increased pre-financing from REACT-EU resources and the establishment of a unit cost

(37)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

(38)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60)

(39)  Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17–75)

(40)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1).

(41)  Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30).

(42)  Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 (OJ L 153, 3.5.2021, p. 48).

(33)  Regulation (EU) 2020/2221 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards additional resources and implementing arrangements to provide assistance for fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences and for preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy (REACT-EU) (OJ L 437, 28.12.2020, p. 30).

(34)  Regulation (EU) 2022/562 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 amending regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 223/2014 as regards cohesion’s action for refugees in Europe (CARE) (OJ L 109, 8.4.2022, p. 1).

(35)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159).

(36)  Regulation (EU) 2022/613 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 April 2022 amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 223/2014 as regards increased pre-financing from REACT-EU resources and the establishment of a unit cost (OJ L 115, 13.4.2022, p. 38).

(37)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).

(38)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60)

(39)  Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17)

(40)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1).

(41)  Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30).

(42)  Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 (OJ L 153, 3.5.2021, p. 48).

(1a)  
Not yet published in the Official Journal of the European Union.



(1a)  
Not yet published in the Official Journal of the European Union.



(1a)  
Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion, 28 September 2022 https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&furtherNews=yes&newsId=10417.



(43)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof.

(43)  Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212, 7.8.2001, p. 12).