Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas said fair employment for social justice was a concrete policy framework as EU ministers met in Nicosia for an informal employment council. The ministers discussed strengthening Europe’s competitiveness without undermining social and labour rights.
Commission plans labour mobility and jobs initiatives
Speaking after the meeting, European Commission executive vice president Roxana Minzatu said the Commission will present a Fair Labour Mobility Package later this year and a Quality Jobs Act in December 2026. She said the initiatives are part of a broader effort to ensure Europe’s competitiveness drive does not compromise workers’ rights and social protection.
Focus on risks and opportunities from economic transitions
Mousiouttas said the council took place at a critical time, with digitalisation, AI, the green transition and demographic ageing transforming European economies at an unprecedented speed. He said these trends create opportunities but also pose risks including inequalities, insecurity and social exclusion.
Policy priorities discussed
Mousiouttas said discussions focused on equal access to decent jobs, adequate wages, equal pay for equal work, protection of labour rights and strengthening social dialogue. He said particular emphasis was placed on investing in the development and upgrading of workers’ skills so that no worker is left behind due to lack of training.
How should EU policy balance competitiveness with social and labour rights?
