Live streaming
21 June 2018
09:30 Public session
14:30 Public session
20:00 Press conference
22 June 2018
09:30 Public session
13:30 Press conference
Estimated schedule
Main results
Employment and Social Policy - 21 June
Coordination of social security systems
The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the coordination of social security systems (revision of regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009).
The draft amending regulation focuses on five areas: unemployment benefits, long-term care benefits, access to benefits for economically inactive persons, family benefits and applicable legislation for posted workers and persons working in two or more member states. It also includes a number of other smaller amendments.
On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.
The coordination of social security systems plays a key role in ensuring that the free movement of people works in practice. This update of the rules will make them clearer, fairer and easier to enforce.
Biser Petkov, Minister for Labour and Social Policies
Coordination of social security systems: Council agrees general approach (press release, 21/06/2018)
Work-life balance for parents and carers
The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on work-life balance for parents and carers.
The aim of this proposal is to improve access to work-life balance arrangements, such as leave and flexible working arrangements for parents and carers. It should boost the take-up of family-related leave by men, which will help increase female labour market participation.
On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.
Transparent and predictable working conditions
The Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on transparent and predictable working conditions. This draft directive addresses challenges brought by developments in the world of work, including growing flexibilisation of the labour market.
On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position.
Posting of workers
The Council adopted the revision of the posting of workers directive. The directive aims at ensuring fair wages and a level playing field between posting and local companies in the host country whilst maintaining the principle of free movement of services.
Posting of workers: Council adopts the directive (press release, 21/06/2018)
Agenda highlights
Health - 22 June
Health technology assessment
Ministers will hold a debate on the proposed regulation on health technology assessment. This proposal aims to create a framework for joint assessment at EU level of the relative clinical effectiveness (compared to standard treatment) of selected medicines and medical devices.
Health technology assessment (European Commission)
Future of health in EU
Ministers will also discuss the future of health in the EU. In particular, they will focus on how member states can shape the agenda on health and on identifying areas where cooperation provides added value, as well as the right framework for that cooperation.
Health policies in the future EU budget: 2021-2027 (European Commission)
The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on "Healthy nutrition for children: the healthy future of Europe".
Meeting information
Meeting n°3625
Luxembourg
21-22/06/2018
Preparatory documents
List of A items, non-legislative activities
List of A items, legislative deliberation
Outcome documents
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