EU employment and social policy council meeting held in Brussels

On Monday, the Employment and Social Policy Council (EPSCO) convened in Brussels under the Cypriot Presidency of the EU, led by Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Mousiouttas. The discussions focused on four priority areas: the integration of artificial intelligence for job creation, investment in children, poverty reduction, and affordable housing. During the meeting, the ministers adopted the 2026 Joint Employment Report, which outlines strategies for modernizing social protection and enhancing labor markets across the Union. Additionally, the Council approved a recommendation regarding human capital to address skill shortages and training needs within the European workforce. Nobel laureate Sir Christopher Pissarides contributed to the discussion on artificial intelligence and the protection of workers' rights. The event marked the first council meeting under the current Cypriot Presidency, emphasizing the goal of building a socially inclusive and resilient Europe.