EU ministers to discuss European Semester and poverty reduction

EU ministers will convene for a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 29 June. State Secretary Laura Rissanen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Council is expected to approve the employment and social policy aspects of the country-specific recommendations for the European Semester. As for other matters relating to the European Semester, the Commission will present the Spring Package, which was published on 3 June. 

The Council will also hold three policy debates. The first debate will focus on the first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, which was published by the Commission in May. 

The second debate will be held on the topic of advancing fair labour mobility through modernised and simplified social security coordination rules. Finland’s goal is a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. 

The third policy debate will cover the topic of affordable housing in the EU, with a focus on students and middle-income households. 

The Council is also expected to approve two sets of conclusions. The first set focuses on preventing and combating cyber violence against girls. These conclusions are based on a report prepared by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). The other set deals with housing and shifting demographics. Finland is prepared to approve both of these sets of conclusions.