Regarding policy debates, in connection with the EU's action plan against racism, the head of the Hungarian delegation Attila Fülöp, Minister of State for Social Affairs, underlined, inter alia, that Hungary will develop a national strategy by the end of the year in consultation with the representatives of the Jewish communities in Hungary.
The development of a national strategy against racism is also underway, furthermore, the adoption of the Hungarian National Social Inclusion Strategy 2030 is also a strong reflection of the government's commitment. In the context of the debate on social investments, Hungary expressed its agreement with the potential role of social investments in stimulating the economy and supporting financial sustainability, however, we voiced our concerns regarding the EMCO-SPC joint report discussed in connection to the relevant agenda item and made a separate statement.
During the discussion on green collective bargaining, Minister of State Fülöp highlighted, among other things, that bearing in mind the importance of the green transition, in the current EU programming period, the Hungarian government provides significant resources to increase the means of the social partners.
In relation to the draft directive for the introduction of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, the Council adopted a general approach that paves the way for negotiations with the European Parliament. The Council also endorsed key messages from the Employment Committee (EMCO) and the Social Protection Committee (SPC) on the implementation of the Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality. The Council also approved conclusions on workplace democracy, a person-centered approach to care services, the European Court of Auditors' special report on the situation of people with disabilities, and the digitalization of social security coordination.
Furthermore, the ministers were informed about the current state of negotiations regarding the directives on regulations for equality bodies, the directive on platforms, the regulation on European population statistics, and the draft directives on the protection of workers against lead and its inorganic compounds. The presidency also reported on the informal meeting of equality ministers in Pamplona on 23-24 November, and on the European Year of Skills. The presidency also informed the ministers about the state of play of the review of the regulations on the coordination of social security systems, as well as other events of the presidency. The Commission provided information on the current situation in Ukraine, the talent mobility package and its annual work programme, while the upcoming Belgian presidency shared its planned work programme.
