During a working breakfast ministers discussed the truly important topic of balancing work, family and private life with Commissioner Jourová. This was the first discussion after the withdrawal of the draft Maternity Leave Directive. Ministers emphasized the challenges women with small children and old or ill relatives face on the labour market. The importance of flexible working arrangements, available quality child care and the enhanced involvement of men in the domestic duties have been emphasized. As Hungary has always been a big supporter of reconciliation, we reported on the recent measures introduced, in order to enhance flexible working arrangements for mothers, which together with generous tax incentives led to a record high women’s employment rate. We draw attention to the important link between the demographic aims and the Hungarian reconciliation policies.
The EPSCO held a detailed discussion on the Women on Company Boards Directive but was not able to reach agreement, as many Member States continue to oppose due to subsidiarity and proportionality reasons. Even though we agree with the aim of having more women in the top leadership positions, Hungary was among the Member States opposing a legally binding European instrument because of the unproportionate interference into the national company law and managerial rights of the companies concerned.
As the third gender equality point on the agenda the ministers discussed the strategic engagement for gender equality 2016-2019 with Commissioner Jourová (Justice, Consumer protection and Rights, Gender Equaltiy), asking her to present a European Strategy for Gender Equality, as 22 line ministers asked for earlier this year.
The Council discussed the Annual Growth Survey Package, Ministers emphasized the importance of investments, structural reforms and the reduction of the tax wedge. Special attention should be directed to migrants, youth and long term unemployed, as well as the sustainability of the social protection systems. Ministers had mixed feelings about benchmarking, and the inclusion of social and employment indicators into the Macro Imbalance Procedure. The importance of the EPSCO Council, as well as the need for discussion in a full EU 28 round have been emphasized as well. The Hungarian delegation emphasized the need to enhance the ownership of the Semester. A solid evidence base underpinning the Commission proposals is necessary, these should focus on the goals set, and provide enough flexibility for the Member States action. We called for the fine tuning of the existing instruments instead of creating new ones.
The ministers reached political agreement on a recommendation on the integration of the long-term unemployed, and adopted council conclusion on the equality between women and men in the area of decision making; the promotion of the social economy; and the social governance. The Council also took note of the 15thprogress report on the equal treatment directive.
The ministers working lunch served to discuss the question of improving employment and social performances within the existent governance framework. Ministers were sceptical about the added value of the Competitiveness Boards. Concerning the revitalized concept of Flexicurity, several delegations draw attention to the diverging starting points and national situations. Hungary emphasized that the discussion on the social dimensions have to take place in the round of all the 28 Members States. Whereby any commitment agreed has to respect the integrity of the internal market and has to be voluntary for the none Eurozone members.
In the framework of the health agenda items, the delegations adopted Council Conclusions on the reduction of alcohol related harm. The Commission was addressed clear invitation from the Member States to prepare, by the end of 2016, a dedicated strategy drawing up concrete measures to reduce consequences of harmful drinking.
At the meeting, the delegations welcomed the report of the Commission on trans fatty acids, and several member states, Hungary among them, urged the institution to submit, as soon as possible, a legislative proposal on setting maximum trans-fat limits in foodstuffs.
The Council adopted conclusions on personalized medicine that builds, among others, on the genetic properties of the individual patients. The document reflects the idea underlined also by Hungary, that when promoting availability of personalized medicine, the aspects of proven cost-effectiveness and sustainability of national health systems should be taken into account.
The member states dedicated specific conclusions to helping people living with dementia and their environment as well as to enhanced epidemiologic preparedness and international assistance based on the lessons learned from the West Africa ebola outbreak.
Finally, the upcoming Dutch Presidency provided a short overview on their main priorities such as fighting antimicrobial resistance, facilitating patient access to innovating medicines and improving food quality.
