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EU employment and social affairs ministers met on 9 March 2026 in Brussels as part of the EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) Council to discuss EU social and labour priorities. The meeting, chaired by Cyprus, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (PRES CY), focused on promoting quality jobs, tackling child poverty and addressing skills shortages in the European labour market.

Among the main outcomes, the Council adopted conclusions on strengthening children’s well-being and combating child poverty, calling on member states and the European Commission to strengthen funding and policies for social inclusion and equal opportunities from an early age.

The EU considers that investing in children is essential for the future social cohesion, competitiveness and stability of the Union.

Under the European Semester 2026, ministers approved the Joint Employment Report, which assesses developments in labour markets and social policies in the EU and sets out guidelines to strengthen employment, modernise social protection systems and promote social convergence between member states.

Another relevant outcome was the adoption of a new Council Recommendation on human capital, the first of its kind in this context, aimed at supporting EU countries in addressing labour and skills shortages.

The Recommendation encourages investments in education, training and data analysis on future skills needs, especially in strategic sectors such as health, digital technologies and engineering.

Ministers also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market, highlighting the need to balance innovation and competitiveness with the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of quality jobs. Social inclusion policies, the breaking of the poverty cycle and access to affordable housing were also discussed. Overall, the Council reinforced the European Union’s priority to build more resilient and inclusive labour markets, focusing on people’s skills, social protection and equal opportunities as pillars for the EU’s economic and social development.