Employment Policy in the EU

Latest news on employment policy in the European Union.

Renewed commitment for non-discrimination and equal opportunities — 07 December 2009, 21:04 CET

This EU Communication provides a comprehensive approach through which the European Commission is renewing its commitment to further non-discrimination and equal opportunities in the European Union. It presents the latest developments and aims to strengthen the legal framework against discrimination as well as the policy tools for promoting equal opportunities.

Gender imbalance in science 'a waste of opportunity and talent' - SHE figures 2009 — 26 November 2009, 17:26 CET

Despite a rise in their numbers, female scientific researchers remain a minority, accounting for just 30% of all scientific researchers in Europe. Furthermore, the more senior positions in science and research are still heavily dominated by men. These are some of the main findings in the latest 'She Figures', statistics on women in science in Europe which are produced every three years by the European Commission and the Helsinki Group on Women and Science.

She Figures 2009 - major findings and trends — 26 November 2009, 17:21 CET

The number of female researchers increased in Europe in all economic sectors: the Higher Education Sector, the Government Sector and the Business Enterprise Sector. In the former, the proportion of female researchers grew from 34% in 2000 to 37% in 2006. It is important to remember however that we are measuring the countries of the European Union, with a population that changed between 2001 and 2006 in size and number of countries concerned. The female researchers' population grew even more considerably in the Government sector, going from 31% in 2000 to 39% in 2006. Regarding private sector researchers, 15% in 2000 were women and 19% in 2006.

Consultation on EU 2020: a new strategy to make the EU a smarter, greener social market — 24 November 2009, 20:26 CET

The European Commission has today issued a public consultation document on giving the EU economy a brighter future through the EU 2020 Strategy. EU 2020 aims to deliver greener and socially inclusive growth, as outlined by President Barroso in his Political Guidelines. The new Strategy will build on the achievements of the Lisbon Strategy, while learning its lessons. The consultation paper sets out a vision for how EU 2020 will focus on entrenching recovery from the crisis, helping to prevent a similar one in future and on three thematic objectives: creating value through knowledge; empowering people in inclusive societies; and creating a competitive, connected and greener economy. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 15 January 2010. The new Commission will then make a detailed proposal to the Spring European Council.

Employment in Europe 2009 report — 23 November 2009, 18:57 CET

This is the 21st annual edition of the Employment in Europe report, which has become one of the main tools of the European Commission in supporting Member States in the analysis, formulation and implementation of their employment policies. The Employment in Europe report 2009, as in previous years, addresses topics that are high on the European Union's employment policy agenda. It gives a comprehensive overview of the employment situation in the EU, as well as an analysis of key labour market issues, taking a deeper look at the dynamics of European labour markets and the implications of climate change on labour market outcomes.

Eurobarometer survey on discrimination — 09 November 2009, 19:37 CET

Special Eurobarometer survey on discrimination – summary, report and national factsheets

EC Court rules on rights for dismissed pregnant workers — 03 November 2009, 12:34 CET

Dismissed pregnant workers must enjoy effective judicial protection of their under Community law, according to a ruling by the European Court of Justice.

EU report on the social dimension of the growth and jobs strategy — 29 September 2009, 22:59 CET

The EU's strategy for growth and jobs must pay more attention to social cohesion goals in the future, says a new report presented by the European Commission. The report from the Social Protection Committee – which brings together experts from each EU country – finds that social protection systems have helped shield Europeans from the worst effects of the financial crisis. But it concludes that social protection alone is not enough to prevent poverty and exclusion, calling for more emphasis on goals such as fighting child poverty and promoting active inclusion. Further modernisation of social protection needs to be fully articulated with growth and jobs strategies.

A European Private Company Statute — 08 July 2011, 18:16 CET

Progress must be made to improve access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the Single Market and to promote their development in the European Union. The European Council proposes the adoption of a European Private Company Statute enabling companies to be set up across the Community, under simplified conditions.

European Social Fund (ESF) — 14 October 2020, 00:05 CET

The ESF invests in people, with a focus on improving employment and education opportunities across the European Union. It also aims to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people at risk of poverty.

EU Employment Contacts — 31 August 2009, 22:53 CET

 

Mobility: Free movement of workers in the EU — 31 August 2009, 22:53 CET

The European Union's Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 entitles all nationals of an EU Member State to take up and engage in gainful employment on the territory of another Member State in conformity with the relevant regulations applicable to national workers.

Employment Analysis & Networks — 31 August 2009, 22:54 CET

The assessment and monitoring of labour market developments in the European Union is mainly done through the annual 'Employment in Europe' report, which provides the basic analytical and statistical background to the EES, as well as through a wide range of analyses in the form of studies and surveys on matters of major concern to the EU citizens.

Restructuring in the EU — 31 August 2009, 22:54 CET

Restructuring in the European Union is driven by several factors including a more open global economy, downturns in economic growth, an ageing population, introduction of new technologies affecting ways of working and the necessity to combat climate change and to reduce environmental impact.

Flexicurity in the EU — 31 August 2009, 22:56 CET

Flexicurity attempts to conciliate both employers' and workers' needs, flexibility and security, by ensuring the worker safe transitions inside the labour market, while maintaining and improving competitiveness of the companies and also preserving the European social model.

European Employment Strategy — 31 August 2009, 22:56 CET

The European Employment Strategy has been developed in order to encourage exchange of information and joint discussions by all Member States, thus trying to find solutions or best practices together which could help creating more and better jobs in every Member State.

Commission approves EUR 251 million aid for Gdansk shipyard in Poland - briefing — 22 July 2009, 13:38 CET

Following an in-depth investigation opened in June 2005, the European Commission has authorised under EC Treaty state aid rules various support measures worth EUR 251 million, spread over several years and extending into the future, in favour of the Gdansk Shipyard in Poland. Privatised in 2007, the yard recently presented a restructuring plan that will to a large extent be financed from private resources raised by the yard and its owner. The Commission concluded that the plan will ensure the viability of the yard and that the distortions of competition, caused by years of subsidised operations, will be adequately reduced by production capacity closures.

Commission proposal on smoke-free environments - briefing — 30 June 2009, 16:38 CET

The European Commission has adopted, after extensive consultation, a proposal for an European Union Council Recommendation calling on all the EU Member States to bring in laws to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke by 2012. Tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union. According to conservative estimates, 79,000 adults, including 19,000 non-smokers, died in the EU-25 in 2002 due to exposure to tobacco smoke at home (72,000) and in their workplace (7,300).

Shared Commitment for Employment - briefing — 03 June 2009, 18:58 CET

The EU will make available EUR 19 billion of planned European Social Fund expenditure to support people hit by the economic crisis. Together with the European Investment Bank Group and other partners, a new EU loans facility will be set up to provide micro-credits for those who would usually have difficulty accessing the necessary funds to set up a business or a micro-enterprise.

EmployRES - The impact of renewable energy policy on economic growth and employment in the European Union — 02 June 2009, 21:48 CET

Reaching the 2020 renewable energy targets is expected to lead to around 2.8 million jobs in the renewable energy sector and generate a total value added of around 1.1 per cent of GDP. This is the main conclusion of a European Commission study on the impact of renewable energy policy on economic growth and employment in the European Union (Employ-RES) which is available in the internet from today. EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said: "This shows that benefits of renewables in terms of security of supply and fighting climate change can go hand in hand with economic benefits".

Employment Summit - briefing — 07 May 2009, 19:00 CET

Prague hosted the Employment Summit meeting of the leaders of the social Troika (the Czech Republic, Sweden and Spain), the European Commission and the social partners today. The aim of the summit was to discuss how to deal with the impacts of the current financial and economic crisis on employment. The meeting establishes general principles according to which the EU and the Member States should handle the crisis and recommends measures to limit the impacts of the crisis on the labour market on national and European level. At the same time it was an opportunity for a debate on reinforcing flexibility and restructuring the labour market so that it is best prepared for the period after the crisis.

Fight discrimination, harassment and violence against Lesbians and Gays in the EU: report — 31 March 2009, 20:09 CET

The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) today publishes its new report "Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the EU Member States: Part II - The Social Situation". The report finds that discrimination, harassment and violence against LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) persons are widespread throughout the EU.

Publication: Europe for women — 05 March 2009, 23:40 CET

The European Union is involved in a number of areas that affect your daily life, from gender equality to product safety. How do you want the EU to shape these issues in the future? Use your vote at the European Parliament elections in June 2009 - Manuscript completed in March 2009.

Gender pay gap - EU campaign — 04 March 2009, 00:29 CET

Highly skilled and loyal employees are the most precious resource for a majority of small and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to assist SMEs in Europe to increase their productivity and boost their competitiveness by breaking down the invisible barriers created by gender stereotypes, thereby maximizing the potential of their employees.

EU support to fight the crisis in the automotive sector — 25 February 2009, 23:24 CET

The European automotive sector, with 12 million jobs depending on this strategic industry, has been hit particularly hard by the current economic crisis with new registrations down by 20 per cent and gloomy expectations for 2009. Due to its close links to other sectors and the wide spread of supply industry and vehicle trade, the negative economic effects reaches out to millions of employees in all EU Member States. In today's communication, the European Commission defends a proactive stance to support industry in their efforts to withstand the crisis, soften negative effects and ensure long-term competitiveness. Building on the European Economic Recovery Plan of 2008, it sets various measures to improve access to credit, to clarify the rules for granting state aid in the particular circumstances, to boost the demand for new vehicles through coordinated national action, to minimise social costs and retain the skilled workforce and to defend fair competition in open markets. The Commission suggests a new partnership with industry, trade unions and EU Member States in the context of the CARS 21 process to accompany the common crisis response.