Brussels: The Cyprus EU Presidency has set priorities in the field of employment that align with the real concerns of European citizens and address the significant challenges facing the European labour market, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Mousiouttas stated in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Mousiouttas addressed the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) of the European Parliament, emphasizing that Cyprus is assuming the Presidency amid profound transformations such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, the green transition, and demographic changes. These factors are reshaping work, learning, and production across Europe.
The Minister highlighted that Europe's response should not be characterized by fear or inertia but by fair and methodical adaptation, with social justice as the primary objective. The central pillar of the Cypriot Presidency in employment focuses on fair and inclusive employment as the foundation of social justice, ensuring decent wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all.
He noted that this focus will be central to the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Policy, which Cyprus will host in February, with participation from the International Labour Organization and social partners to explore common solutions. The challenge, Mousiouttas stressed, is implementing concrete measures at national and EU levels to ensure fair employment becomes a reality for every worker in Europe.
The Cypriot Presidency places significant importance on the impact of artificial intelligence on work, with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights serving as a guide. The Presidency has requested the European Economic and Social Committee to provide an opinion on enhancing job quality, including the role of artificial intelligence, social dialogue, and collective bargaining.
Further, the Minister discussed the legislative file on revising the Regulation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, linked to the need for a collective European response to global and technological disruptions. The Presidency aims to work effectively with the European Parliament for swift negotiations, focusing on reskilling and upskilling workers.
The Presidency also emphasizes the importance of skills, with discussions planned at the European Network of Public Employment Services in June 2026. The Council Recommendation on Human Capital highlights skills necessary for the green and digital transition and artificial intelligence, crucial for social cohesion and sustainable competitiveness.
Mousiouttas also addressed the Traineeships Package, aiming for successful trilogue negotiations to ensure that traineeships provide a meaningful first step towards quality employment. Fair mobility is another thematic priority, with plans to revise Regulation 883 on social security systems and host the High-Level Conference of the European Labour Authority to discuss the Fair Mobility Package.
Health and safety at work remain a non-negotiable priority, with the Cypriot Presidency supporting the 6th revision of the Directive on Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reprotoxic Substances to protect workers while considering business sustainability.
Concluding, Mousiouttas emphasized the Cyprus EU Presidency's commitment to a fairer and more competitive Europe, working with the Council and Parliament to shape a labour market that serves people and businesses. The Presidency aims to address European citizens' concerns through consistent policies developed from social dialogue and cooperation.