OREANDA-NEWS. On Monday, March 9, the Minister for Welfare, Uldis Augulis chaired the meeting of the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) in Brussels. The Council discussed the employment and social policy aspects of the 2015 European Semester exercise.

"The President of the Council, Uldis Augulis, declared : "We had an extensive policy debate focusing on how to support well-functioning and inclusive labour markets and reach high levels of employment. It was very fruitful to listen to views of member states on how to better involve social partners to this process."

The Council endorsed key messages on the financing of social protection systems. These underline the need for reforms to ensure that social protection systems are adequate and sustainable. This requires an overall assessment of existing social protection arrangements and the challenges facing member states.

It adopted conclusions on inclusive labour markets. Inclusive growth should enable everyone to take up employment, education or training and to provide all citizens with adequate social protection.

It also adopted a strategic framework on health and safety at work 2014-2020. The Council confirms that there is a need to improve the implementation of occupational safety and health legislation; to prevent risks to health and safety at work; and to address the challenges posed by an ageing workforce and longer working careers.