EU ministers to discuss equality and quality jobs on 19 October

Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen will represent Finland at the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 19 October 2026. Among other items, the Council will discuss expectations for the European Commission’s forthcoming Quality Jobs Act.

Finland stresses the effective implementation of existing legislation and the need to avoid unnecessary administrative burdens for businesses. Finland's position is that the social dimension of the EU should be reinforced through up-to-date minimum rules on social rights and employment that address genuine regulatory needs, together with more effective enforcement of existing legislation. At the same time, Finland considers it necessary to update outdated occupational safety and health directives.

In Finland’s view, the EU’s social dimension must continue to reflect the diversity of national systems.

“The world of work is undergoing profound change as a result of technological development. Rather than introducing new regulation that increases administrative burdens, we should focus on making the best use of new technologies to improve both the quality of jobs and labour productivity,” says Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

Council to approve conclusions on equality as driver for economic growth and competitiveness

The conclusions highlight that inequality continues to create structural barriers to full participation in the labour market. Harnessing the potential of the entire population will contribute to building a more competitive, inclusive and cohesive society.

The conclusions call on Member States to:

Equality debate and recommendation on fighting housing exclusion