Latest documents

Summary : The study focuses on the analysis of national legislation and best practices across the EU Member States that address health and safety requirements for the protection of mental health at work. The study reveals that efforts at EU and national level are currently insufficient to protect employees from psychosocial risks. EU-level legislation on work-related psychosocial risks is therefore needed to set the minimum health and safety requirements for mental health at work. This would compel Member States to take action to protect employees and to ensure minimum standards and equality across the EU.

Authors : Alina MAKAREVIČIENĖ, Madeline NIGHTINGALE, Greta SKUBIEJŪTĖ, Emily HUTTON, Vaida GINEIKYTĖ-KANCLERĖ, Deimantė KAZLAUSKAITĖ

Summary : The study focuses on the analysis of national legislation and best practices across the EU Member States that address health and safety requirements for the protection of mental health at work. The study reveals that efforts at EU and national level are currently insufficient to protect employees from psychosocial risks. EU-level legislation on work-related psychosocial risks is therefore needed to set the minimum health and safety requirements for mental health at work. This would compel Member States to take action to protect employees and to ensure minimum standards and equality across the EU.

Authors : Minimum health and safety requirements for the protection of mental health in the workplace

Summary : This At a Glance assesses the extent to which policy frameworks at EU and national level are equipped to tackle the social inequalities produced by climate action policies, identifies gaps and outlines recommendations for action that could be taken up by the European Parliament in future policy debates. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).'

Authors : Mariya GANCHEVA, Berkay AKBABA, Matthew GERACI, Vanessa LUDDEN, Ralitsa DONKOVA, Silvia BEGHELLI,Thomas NEUMANN, Francesca FINELLO, Anna-Maija LAINE

Summary : This study assesses the extent to which policy frameworks at EU and national level are equipped to tackle the socioeconomic impacts associated with climate action policies, identifies gaps and outlines recommendations for action that could be taken up by the European Parliament in future policy debates. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Mariya GANCHEVA, Berkay AKBABA, Matthew GERACI, Vanessa LUDDEN, Ralitsa DONKOVA, Silvia BEGHELLI, Thomas NEUMANN, Francesca FINELLO, Anna-Maija LAINE

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The IA provides a well-evidenced description of the problem and its scale and sufficiently substantiates the need to lower the current EU occupational exposure level for asbestos. However, the IA could have explained the evaluation findings in more detail and clarified the problem drivers further. The IA clearly explains the scientific opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), according to which there is no safe exposure level and therefore the RAC did not recommend any specific OEL. The IA describes different OEL options, but does not explain to what extent the options differ, for example, in terms of risk management measures. The IA justifies the preferred option for example by the efficiency aspects (cost/benefit ratio). In the effectiveness analysis, the IA finds that the preferred option is the best one, as it is supported by employers' and government interest groups, and therefore 'offers the best balance between prevention and practical implementation'. It would have benefited the analysis if the IA had explained this argument in more detail, given the different views of the social partners. The Commission has carried out an SME test, as nearly all the companies involved in the asbestos work are small companies. According to the estimates, in the construction sector, which represents 99 % of the companies involved in work with asbestos, the costs would remain largely proportionate. The IA explains the analytical methods used, as well as the limitations and uncertainties of the analysis.

Authors : ULLA-MARI TUOMINEN

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This study analyses the measures supporting refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere set out in the Child Guarantee national actions plans. It also supports the monitoring and evaluation of the Guarantee by looking at trends and disparities among Member States in the areas of child poverty, early childhood education and care, housing, food and energy poverty. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Daniel MOLINUEVO, Michele CONSOLINI

Summary : The European Child Guarantee, adopted on 14 June 2021, aims to ensure that every child in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion has access to the following key services: 1) early childhood education and care, 2) education (including school-based activities), 3) healthcare, 4) nutrition, 5) housing. Member States were required to submit national action plans for the implementation of the Child Guarantee by 15 March 2022. By mid-October 2022, 15 plans had been submitted. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan set a 2030 target of reducing by 15 million the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including at least 5 million children. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) includes earmarking of 5%for action to tackle child poverty for Member States with child poverty rates above the EU average.

Authors : AOIFE KENNEDY

Summary : At more than one in five, the number of children at risk of poverty in the European Union (EU) remains high. This year's 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty presents an opportunity to take stock of what the EU is doing to fight child poverty. Even though legal competence for child policy remains primarily with the Member States, the fight against child poverty is a major EU priority. The European Pillar of Social Rights now reflects the EU's increasing willingness to tackle child poverty, while the use of European funds is key to success. The European Parliament has always been at the forefront of this fight.

Authors : Marie LECERF

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This document is a compilation of briefings that track the commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners to the European Parliament – in their written answers to Parliament’s questions, at their hearings, and, in some cases, in subsequent appearances before Parliament’s committees. The document provides an overview of the state-of-play at the mid-term of the von der Leyen Commission. Since many of these commitments were made, major international crises have shifted some political priorities. The Vice-Presidents’ and Commissioners’ progress on their commitments should be considered in this context.

Summary : Follow-up of the commitments made by Dombrovskis in his capacity of Executive Vice-President and in his capacity of Commissioner for Trade (and his predecessor, Phil Hogan) since 2019.

Summary : This briefing follows up the commitments made by the commissioner since 2019.

Summary : This briefing follows up the commitments made by the commissioner since 2019.

Summary : The aim of this study is to provide the Members of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) with an updated review of findings from research on the impact of digitalisation in the workplace.

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL, SARA DANESI

Summary : The original full study gives an overview of the impacts of the twin (digital and green) transition on the labour market and the workplace. It explores the role and presents good practice examples of employee involvement, both via social dialogue and collective bargaining, as well as collaborative decision making in the workplace – in shaping the transitions at the macro and micro levels. Finally, the study summarises the main legislative and policy measures adopted at the EU level to foster employee involvement, and proposes relevant recommendations.

Authors : Jan BEDNORZ, Audronė SADAUSKAITĖ et al.

Summary : This study overviews the impacts of the twin (digital and green) transition on the labour market and the workplace. It explores the role and presents good practice examples of employee involvement, both via social dialogue and collective bargaining and direct co-decision making, in shaping the transition at the macro and micro levels. Finally, the study summarises the main legislative and policy measures adopted at the EU level to foster employee involvement.

Authors : Jan BEDNORZ, Audronė SADAUSKAITĖ et al.

Summary : Entrepreneurial literacy and skills (ELS) empower European citizens to act on economic opportunities and enable them to adequately respond to ongoing impactful changes, such as the green transition, the ageing workforce and the digitalisation. This research paper analyses relevant empirical indicators of ELS, highlights the role of underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship and discusses EU-funded mechanisms in relation to ELS. The research paper concludes with recommendations on policy-making in order to more effectively foster ELS among EU citizens.

Authors : Yvette Baggen, Gabi Kaffka

Summary : Census data and demographic statistics are of great relevance for policy-making at the European, national, regional and local levels. At a time where the European Union (EU) is undergoing major demographic changes, driven by an ageing population, low fertility rates and increased migration flows, demand for accurate and timely population statistics rises. In parallel, owing to progress in digitalisation, statistical data collection methods are shifting from traditional population censuses and surveys towards the use of administrative data. Such register-based data collection methods bear great potential in terms of improved data frequency, granularity and burden reduction. The modernisation of European population statistics is one of the action points included in the European statistical programme 2021-2027, and part of a wider programme to modernise social statistics. Under the current regulatory framework, Eurostat collects population data under a number of separate legal acts, covering demographic, census and migration data. One of them, Regulation (EU) No 1260/2013 on European demographic statistics, is set to expire in 2028. According to the 2022 Commission work programme, the Commission will present a legislative proposal on population statistics in the second quarter of 2022. The new proposal should integrate, in a single legal act, annual demographic and migration statistics and decennial census data, as well as regional and geo-referenced population data. It should provide for timelier, more coherent and more specific population statistics that reflect migration more adequately and facilitate the use of administrative data sources.

Authors : Irmgard ANGLMAYER, ISSAM HALLAK

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The IA presents a qualitative and partially quantitative assessment in support of the proposal on working conditions in platform work. The problem definition would have benefited from further clarification, in particular of the target group, as it refers to 'some people', whilst the IA describes more widely problems faced by all of the people working through platforms. The IA openly explains the difficulties relating to the lack of data on platforms, an issue that the authors of the IA tried to address by making great efforts to collect relevant data, for example, through a survey and broad stakeholder consultations. The IA provides a sufficient range of options to address the defined problems and clearly describes the stakeholders' views, which appear to diverge, for example regarding the rebuttable presumption with reversed burden of proof of an employment status. In the impacts assessment, the proportionality criterion was not used in the comparison of the options, contrary to the recommendations of the Better Regulation Guidelines. Moreover, the IA openly indicates that it was not possible to quantify some costs (e.g. risk assessment, data portability). Despite its weaknesses, the IA is able to provide a useful information package for decision-making. As a technical point, to facilitate reader-friendliness, part of the information included in the extensive annexes could have been included in the main analysis.

Authors : ULLA-MARI TUOMINEN

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a marked impact on workplaces and reshaped working conditions in the EU. The study explores the impact of COVID-19 on the occupational safety and health of European workers. It presents a review of the measures adopted by 10 selected Member States and an evaluation of the preparedness of the European OSH legal framework for pandemic crises. Based on these findings, the study presents conclusions and policy recommendations.

Authors : Maxime MOULAC, Panagiota PAVLOU and Laura VONA

Summary : The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a marked impact on workplaces and reshaped working conditions in the EU. The study explores the impact of COVID-19 on the occupational safety and health of European workers. It presents a review of the measures adopted by 10 selected Member States and an evaluation of the preparedness of the European OSH legal framework for pandemic crises. Based on these findings, the study presents conclusions and policy recommendations.

Authors : Maxime MOULAC, Panagiota PAVLOU and Laura VONA

Summary : The concept of the "social economy" has gained attention and momentum in recent years although the degree of recognition varies largely from one Member State to another.Spain is an example where the social economy benefits from wide recognition. It is the first European country to enact a law on the social economy concept in 2011. In view of the EMPL delegation visit to Madrid, this briefing elaborates first on the concept applied in the SEAP - presented by the Commission on 9 December 2021 - and on the historical development of the social economy concept across Europe. The second part of the briefing focusses on social economy’s historical and legal evolution in Spain. Key aspects of implementation of legal provisions in practice are presented and discussed. Inter alia, we look at factors which either enable or constrain the proper development of the Spanish social economy sector and draw some conclusions for creating a European social economy framework.

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL

Summary : The study explores the working conditions and risks faced by essential frontline workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on women and migrant workers in low-paid frontline occupations. The study also provides an overview of the main legislative and policy measures adopted at EU and national level to support essential workers in order to identify possible policy actions to revaluate these occupations. The analysis is based on the triangulation of data and information resulting from a review of academic literature and policy documents and from field work, including semi-structured interviews and a web survey targeted at EU and national stakeholders, and five country case studies (Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Romania).

Authors : Manuela SAMEK LODOVICI, Elena FERRARI, Emma PALADINO, Flavia PESCE, Nicoletta TORCHIO and Alessandra CRIPPA

Summary : The study explores the working conditions and risks faced by essential frontline workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on women and migrant workers in low-paid frontline occupations. The study also provides an overview of the main legislative and policy measures adopted at EU and national level to support essential workers in order to identify possible policy actions to revaluate these occupations. The analysis is based on the triangulation of data and information resulting from a review of academic literature and policy documents and from field work, including semi-structured interviews and a web survey targeted at EU and national stakeholders, and five country case studies (Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Romania).

Authors : Manuela SAMEK LODOVICI, Elena FERRARI, Emma PALADINO, Flavia PESCE, Nicoletta TORCHIO and Alessandra CRIPPA

Summary : The proceedings summarise the presentations and discussions that took place during the EMPL workshop held on 2 December 2021 on Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVID. The workshop had four presentations, each followed by a Q&A session. The presentations touched upon the cost of poor mental health and the cost of inaction, digitalisation in the world of work, innovative and practical ways to create a resilient workplace and the role of legislation at national and EU level. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Paul VROONHOF and Thomas DE WINTER

Summary : These proceedings summarise the presentations and discussions that took place during the EMPL workshop held on 2 December 2021 on Mental health and well-being in the digital world of work post COVID. The workshop had four presentations, each followed by a Q&A session. The presentations touched upon the cost of poor mental health and the cost of inaction, digitalisation in the world of work, innovative and practical ways to create a resilient workplace and the role of legislation at national and EU level. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Paul VROONHOF and Thomas DE WINTER

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formal and informal long-term care workforce in the EU building on an extensive literature survey and data analysis. It looks at workforce characteristics, types and forms of (non-standard) employment, and working conditions. The study covers challenges in Member States related to the long-term care workforce and measures taken to address these. It ends with a discussion of policy options at national and EU level.

Authors : Mikkel BARSLUND, Frederic DEWISPELAERE et al.

Summary : This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formal and informal long-term care workforce in the EU building on an extensive literature survey and data analysis. It looks at workforce characteristics, types and forms of (non-standard) employment, and working conditions. The study covers challenges in Member States related to the long-term care workforce and measures taken to address these. It ends with a discussion of policy options at national and EU level.

Authors : Mikkel BARSLUND, Frederic DE WISPELAERE, Karolien LENAERTS, Wouter SCHEPERS, and Elena FRIES-TERSCH

Summary : This paper first presents key indicators on employment and poverty for Roma communities in Slovakia and reviews existing social and employment policies. Second, it discusses the situation of Roma children in education. Third, the paper presents achievements and lessons learned from the use of EU funds for marginalised communities and, finally, it reviews the work of other organisations in assessing the situation of Roma people in Slovakia.

Authors : Barbora HOLUBOVÁ, Martin KAHANEC, Lucia KOVÁČOVÁ, Zuzana POLÁČKOVÁ, Maria SEDLÁKOVÁ

Summary : The study focuses on active ageing policies and access to services for the ageing population in the EU-27 in five areas: economic activity, social participation, health and well-being, long-term care, and supportive environments including housing, transportation, and securing financial independence. It presents the challenges and trends in achieving active ageing policy goals in those areas, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight country studies for selected Member States provide a comparative assessment as well as examples of policies and good practices undertaken in recent years. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Agnieszka SOWA-KOFTA, Izabela MARCINKOWSKA, Anna RUZIK-SIERDZIŃSKA and Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ

Summary : The study focuses on active ageing policies and access to services for the ageing population in the EU-27 in five areas: economic activity, social participation, health and well-being, long-term care, and supportive environments including housing, transportation, and securing financial independence. It presents the challenges and trends in achieving active ageing policy goals in those areas, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight country studies for selected Member States provide a comparative assessment as well as examples of policies and good practices undertaken in recent years. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Agnieszka SOWA-KOFTA, Izabela MARCINKOWSKA, Anna RUZIK-SIERDZIŃSKA and Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The full study analyses the effects of COVID-19 on youth unemployment, inactivity, work-based learning and mental health. The analysis is based on quantitative indicators and qualitative information from surveys and policy documents. It discusses the probability of long-term 'scarring effects', comparing the impact of the current crisis to that of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis and its aftermath

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL, FRANCESCA PICARELLA

Summary : The aim of this study is to provide the Members of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) with an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on young people, providing updated information on their economic and social situation, with a focus on employment.

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL, FRANCESCA PICARELLA

Summary : The study pursues two main aims. Firstly, it addresses the issue of poverty and social exclusion from a theoretical perspective – assessing the relevant concepts – and an empirical perspective – discussing the limitations of different indicators and data with reference to EU countries. Secondly, it focuses on national and EU-level policies dealing with poverty and social exclusion, in particular, on minimum income schemes, presenting 6 country case studies and evaluating the feasibility of an EU minimum income framework.

Authors : Michele RAITANO, Giovanni GALLO, Matteo JESSOULA and Costanza PAGNINI

Summary : The study pursues two main aims. Firstly, it addresses the issue of poverty and social exclusion from a theoretical perspective – assessing the relevant concepts – and an empirical perspective – discussing the limitations of different indicators and data with reference to EU countries. Secondly, it focuses on national and EU-level policies dealing with poverty and social exclusion, in particular, on minimum income schemes, presenting 6 country case studies and evaluating the feasibility of an EU minimum income framework.

Authors : Michele RAITANO, Giovanni GALLO, Matteo JESSOULA and Costanza PAGNINI

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The study analyses recent trends in teleworking, its impacts on workers, employers, and society, and the challenges for policy-making. It provides an overview of the main legislative and policy measures adopted at EU and national level, in order to identify possible policy actions at EU level. The study is based on an extensive literature review, a web survey, interviews with representatives of European and national stakeholders, and five case studies of EU countries: Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Romania.

Authors : Manuela SAMEK LODOVICI et al.

Summary : The study analyses recent trends in teleworking, its impacts on workers, employers, and society, and the challenges for policy-making. It provides an overview of the main legislative and policy measures adopted at EU and national level, in order to identify possible policy actions at EU level. The study is based on an extensive literature review, a web survey, interviews with representatives of European and national stakeholders, and five case studies of EU countries: Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Romania.

Authors : Manuela SAMEK LODOVICI et al.

Summary : “Agreements concluded by the Union are binding upon the institutions of the Union and on its Member States.” (Article 216(2) TFEU). According to the Case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), International law takes precedence over (secondary) EU law: “It should also be pointed out that, by virtue of Article 216(2) TFEU, where international agreements are concluded by the European Union they are binding upon its institutions and, consequently, they prevail over acts of the European Union (see, to this effect, Case C‑61/94 Commission v Germany [1996] ECR I‑3989, paragraph 52; Case C‑311/04 Algemene Scheeps Agentuur Dordrecht [2006] ECR I‑609, paragraph 25; Case C‑308/06 Intertanko and Others [2008] ECR I‑4057, paragraph 42; and Joined Cases C‑402/05 P and C‑415/05 P Kadi and Al Barakaat International Foundation v Council and Commission [2008] ECR I‑6351, paragraph 307)” . Arguably, acts adopted by bodies established by the EU-UK TCA could also enjoy primacy: “7 It follows [...] that decisions of the EEC-Turkey Association Council are measures adopted by a body provided for by the Agreement and empowered by the Contracting Parties to adopt such measures. 18 In so far as they implement the objectives set by the Agreement, such decisions are directly connected with the Agreement and, as a result of the second sentence of Article 22(1) thereof, have the effect of binding the Contracting Parties. 19 By virtue of the Agreement, the Contracting Parties agreed to be bound by such decisions and if those parties were to withdraw from that commitment, that would constitute a breach of the Agreement itself.

Authors : Andreas Huber at Al.

Summary : Asbestos is responsible for more than half of the deaths from occupational cancer in the world. Since 2005 Asbestos is banned in Europe. The risks remain, because of the maintenance or demolition work on older buildings and their renovation (increasing energy efficiency) result in substantial exposure to asbestos and many people still work and live in asbestos contaminated buildings.

Authors : KLAUS MULLER

Summary : This briefing is preceding a broader study on “Fighting poverty and social exclusion (incl. minimum income schemes)” requested by the EMPL committee in view of a possible Union framework on minimum income protection. The briefing provides an institutional perspective on minimum income schemes (MIS) in Member States and their different roles and scope within national social protection systems. It also further examines the EU monitoring framework and points to shortcomings and gaps on the roadway to a Union framework on minimum income protection.

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL

Summary : This briefing finds that the European Commission's impact assessment (IA), which accompanies the directive proposal on adequate minimum wages, is based on sound data and presents a sufficiently broad range of policy options. It would have been useful if the measures concerning collective bargaining and adequacy of minimum wages had been explained more thoroughly in relation to the chosen legal basis. The problem description would have benefited of using more information from the extensive annexes. It would have clarified the text if the IA had provided the comparative analysis and selection of the preferred option separately for both minimum wage setting systems (collective agreements and legal provisions).

Authors : ULLA-MARI TUOMINEN

Summary : European works councils (EWCs) represent over 17 million employees and are the first European representation of workers at company level. They facilitate the information, consultation and participation of employees with a focus on transnational issues. In times of crisis, including the COVID 19 crisis, relatively few workers lost their job in EU Member States with well-developed industrial relations systems where workers and their representatives have relatively strong rights.

Authors : KLAUS MULLER

Summary : This document, provided by Policy Department A for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, presents key findings of the study examine the employment situation of parents with young children in the EU and specifically, the factors that affect parents’ return to the labour market.

Authors : Joanna HOFMAN et al.

Summary : Following a two-stage consultation of social partners launched in February 2020, on 28 October, the European Commission published its proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union.

Authors : REGINA ANNA KONLE-SEIDL

Summary : This study examines the employment situation of parents with young children in the EU and specifically, the factors that affect parents’ return to the labour market. The paper identifies interventions that could help parents return to work after family-related leave and improve labour-market integration of unemployed or inactive parents. The study outlines possible additional actions at the EU level. This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.

Authors : Joanna HOFMAN et al.

Summary : Social Impact Investment (SII) is a strategy that seeks to solve key societal challenges. The study sets out the rationale behind and the definition of SII and analyses the different components of the SII ecosystem. It looks at trends and challenges in SII in the EU, highlights a number of successful SII market initiatives, and makes recommendations on potential EU-level measures.

Authors : Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ, Žilvinas MARTINAITIS, Fiorenza LIPPARINI, Barbara Constance SCHECK, Izabela STYCZYŃSKA.

Summary : Social Impact Investment (SII) is a strategy that seeks to solve key societal challenges. The study sets out the rationale behind and the definition of SII and analyses the different components of the SII ecosystem. It looks at trends and challenges in SII in the EU, highlights a number of successful SII market initiatives, and makes recommendations on potential EU-level measures.

Authors : Raimonda MACKEVIČIŪTĖ, Žilvinas MARTINAITIS, Fiorenza LIPPARINI, Barbara Constance SCHECK, Izabela STYCZYŃSKA.

Summary : The importance of the European PES Network has been growing since its establishment in 2014. Its to the design of relevant European policy initiatives has been most notable regarding the European Pillar of Social Rights, the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market and the reinforced Youth Guarantee. Substantial changes in the world of work are impacting public employment services. Their future work will be informed by two strategic policy priorities set by the European Commission for 2019-2024: The digital transformation and policies for a climate-neutral Europe, both entailing far-reaching changes on the labour market.

Authors : Regina KONLE-SEIDL

Summary : The briefing presents an overview of sklls challenges, European and international policy responses. Further, it analyses the three European skills agendas 2010, 2016 and 2020 from a lifelong learning perspective. The note covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors : Susanne KRAATZ

Summary : This in-depth analysis examines the current EU labour law instruments for workers’ protection and highlights existing gaps in coverage which may require further action. It analyses a selection of directives in order to determine how non-standard workers are often excluded from their scope of application, and the extent to which newer instruments account for a broader variety of employment relationships. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : MONIKA MARZENA SZPEJNA, ZAHRA JEANNE BOUDALAOUI-BURESI

Summary : This document provides links to all Briefings produced by the Policy Departments of the Directorate-General for Internal Policies and of the Directorate-General for External Policies of the European Parliament, with salient points and essential commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners-designates at their respective hearings before the European Parliament, in September-November 2019 and in October 2020. For an exhaustive list of all commitments made and positions taken by the candidates, the full verbatim report of each public hearing is available on the dedicated hearings website of the European Parliament, as are the written questions and answers.

Summary : The briefing presents data on the problem of child poverty in the European Union followed by an overview of policy initiatives by the Commission, the Council and the European Palriament. It concludes with points from the debate in research on how to shape an effective Child Guarantee. The note covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors : Susanne KRAATZ

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : Platform work has rapidly developed since it first emerged in the EU, though concerns have been raised about the employment and working conditions of platform work and the risk of precariousness it entails. Platform work has, therefore, been identified as a policy priority by European policy-makers. This study presents an analytical literature review that focuses on the challenges and risks of precariousness of platform work and explores possible pathways for EU action. It covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was prepared at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament.

Authors : Harald Hauben (ed.), Karolien Lenaerts,Willem Waeyaert

Summary : The note gives an overview of the situation of low-wage earners and of the international and European development of policy initiatives to promote fair minimum wages. Based on lessons from research it identifies gaps in existing minimum wage schemes as well as points for consideration for future frameworks.

Authors : Susanne KRAATZ

Summary : This publication analyses the current situation and key challenges with regard to housing affordability in the EU, as well as policies to ensure access to affordable housing at national and EU levels. After assessing the key trends, the authors also provide recommendations for policy makers and stakeholders on improving the affordability of housing. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Dovydas CATURIANAS et al.

Summary : This study analyses the current situation and key challenges with regard to housing affordability in the EU, as well as policies to ensure access to affordable housing at national and EU levels. After assessing the key trends, the authors also provide recommendations for policy makers and stakeholders on improving the affordability of housing. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

Authors : Dovydas CATURIANAS, Piotr LEWANDOWSKI, Jakub SOKOŁOWSKI, Zuzanna KOWALIK, Egidijus BARCEVIČIUS.

Summary : The note provides a summary of key findings from the study of the labour market and social situation in Germany including major trends, policy responses and challenges for the future. The note covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors : Susanne KRAATZ, MONIKA MARZENA SZPEJNA

Summary : As EU Member States embark on a cautious de-confinement path, the economy slides into recession and the question of the proportionality of public health-related measures and their economic consequences is increasingly present in the public debate. As long as a vaccine (or an effective treatment) for the Covid-19 disease is not found and deployed, post-Covid-19 societies will have to coexist with the virus, and find an equilibrium between the social constraints resulting from health protecting measures and the need to mitigate as much as possible a huge economic shock, which if not addressed adequately, could have unpredictable social and political consequences. The Covid-19 crisis has shown above all the importance of joint European action. Although public health is primarily the competence of the Member States, the European Parliament has called on the Commission and the Member States to act together and to rise to the challenge and ensure that the Union emerges stronger from this crisis. In particular, a differentiated but coordinated post-lockdown approach in the EU should be ensured, in order to avoid a resurgence of the virus. The present Covid-19 Newsletter focuses on the de-confinement strategies and EU measures to support the economic recovery. An update of ongoing Covid-19 related expertise work for the ECON, EMPL, ENVI, ITRE and IMCO committees is provided at the end of this document.

Authors : AOIFE KENNEDY, Zsuzsanna LAKY, Adolfo BARBERA DEL ROSAL, MATTEO CIUCCI, Christina RATCLIFF, Dirk VERBEKEN

Summary : Platform work has rapidly developed since it first emerged in the EU, though concerns have been raised about the employment and working conditions of platform work and the risk of precariousness it entails. Platform work has, therefore, been identified as a policy priority by European policy-makers. This study presents an analytical literature review that focuses on the challenges and risks of precariousness of platform work and explores possible pathways for EU action. It covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was prepared at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament.

Authors : Harald Hauben (ed.), Karolien Lenaerts,Willem Waeyaert

Summary : The briefing reviews social and employment policy recommendations made by European and international organisations in relation to the coronavirus crisis.

Authors : AOIFE KENNEDY, MONIKA MARZENA SZPEJNA

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : In its resolution of 17 April 2020, the European Parliament called on the Commission and the Member States to act together and to ensure that the European Union will emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis. This newsletter on COVID-19 aims to keep the ECON, EMPL, ENVI, ITRE and IMCO committees updated about the main EU recent developments and responses to the current crisis.

Summary : Originally commissioned for a committee delegation which had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus measures, the full study has now been published to mark International Roma Day on 8 April 2020. It attempts to provide an overview of the situation of Roma communities in Slovakia, by first presenting key indicators on their employment and poverty levels, reviewing existing social and employment policies. Second, it discusses the situation of Roma children in education. Third, the paper presents achievements and lessons learned from the use of EU funds for marginalized communities and, finally, it reviews the work of other organisations (EFRA, Council of Europe, ERRC, and European Court of Auditors) in assessing the situation of Roma people in Slovakia.

Authors : M. KAHANEC, L. KOVÁČOVÁ, Z. POLÁČKOVÁ, M. SEDLÁKOVÁ

Summary : The briefing presents an overview of recent research with a focus on policy strategies including OECD and ILO. Thus, it feeds into the ongoing policy discussion on how to best mitigate the risks of platform work. It complements an analysis for the European Parliament entitled ‘Platform economy and precarious work’. The note covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors : Susanne KRAATZ

Summary : This study of the labour market and social situation in Germany looks into major employment trends including atypical employment, unemployment and underemployment. It presents policy responses and major challenges for the future, such as digitisation and demographic change. Further, it explores policy action to fight poverty, trends in the German social partnership model and in the skills development system. Finally, it describes the contribution of the European Social Fund. The note covers aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors : Nicola Duell, Tim Vetter

Summary : This study looks at definitions and ways to measure and benchmark social sustainability and explores how the concept can be integrated into EU policy-making processes, giving concrete examples of how it is already used in policies and projects at national, regional and local level. This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL).

Authors : Jennifer McGUINN et al.

Summary : Originally commissioned for a delegation which had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus measures, this analysis is being published to mark International Roma Day on 8 April 2020. The paper first presents key indicators on employment and poverty and reviews existing social and employment policies. Second, it discusses the situation of Roma children in education. Third, the paper presents achievements and lessons learned of EU funds used for marginalized communities and, finally, it reviews the work of other organisations (EFRA, CoE, ERRC, and ECA) in assessing the situation of Roma people in Slovakia..

Authors : Martin Kahanec et al.

Summary : This study looks at definitions and ways to measure and benchmark social sustainability and explores how the concept can be integrated into EU policy-making processes, giving concrete examples of how it is already used in policies and projects at national, regional and local level. This document was provided by Policy Department A at the request of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL).

Authors : Jennifer McGUINN, Milieu Consulting Elena FRIES-TERSCH, Milieu Consulting Matthew JONES, Milieu Consulting Chiara CREPALDI, Istituto per la Ricerca Sociale Märt MASSO, Praxis Ingel KADARIK, Praxis Manuela SAMEK LODOVICI, Istituto per la Ricerca Sociale Serena DRUFUCA, Istituto per la Ricerca Sociale Mariya GANCHEVA , Milieu Consulting Brittni GENY, Milieu Consulting Peer reviewer: Giulio LO IACONO (supported by Ottavia ORTOLANI), Alleanza Italiana per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This briefing aims to provide EMPL Committee Members (and other readers) with an insight into how recent technical innovation and its pace affect the mental well-being of workers. It summarises the findings of the relevant literature and identifies areas requiring further research or data collection.

Authors : Richard Graveling et al.

Summary : Pay transparency legislation facilitates effective application of the equal pay principle as it reveals potential gender bias in pay structures, and contributes to raising awareness about the gender pay gap. This paper identifies key concepts in the debate and maps out the state of play in Member States and at EU level.

Authors : Joanna Hofman, Madeleine Nightingale, Michaela Bruckmayer, Pedro Sanjuro