Eurocadres broadly welcomes Romanian Presidency programme
There is plenty for Eurocadres to commend in the Romanian EU Presidency programme, which was published on January 15th. First and foremost, we welcome the fact that the Presidency will endeavour to do all it can to ensure the whistleblower protection Directive dossier is completed before the EU elections.
It is good that the Romanian programme confirms, that the Presidency will actively support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This would further promote equal opportunities, equal access to the labour market, fair labour conditions, encourage greater social inclusion, and promote more involvement of social partners, in the process of implementation.
The Presidency will actively support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Under the banner of ‘Europe of Common Values’ the Romanian Presidency programme stresses the importance of mobility, as a key feature of the European project. Eurocadres has long promoted greater mobility in Europe, supporting decent and equal working conditions, employment according to a person’s qualifications together with equal labour rights and the portability of social and pension rights. We believe it is important that social partners at both the national and European level take greater responsibility for employees coming from abroad, guaranteeing them equal treatment and equal rights, in the workplace and in education. It will be interesting to see how the new Presidency moves the mobility agenda forward.
Promoting greater gender equality and reducing the gender pay gap, features in the Romanian programme. The Presidency is also committed to working closely with the European Parliament on work-life balance issues, as they impact on parents and carers.
Promoting greater gender equality and reducing the gender pay gap, features in the Romanian programme.
These efforts are to be welcomed, knowing that the gender pay gap remains as high as 23.4%, for professionals and managers. Women earn university degrees at a higher pace than men, without being compensated by wage or position on the labour market. It is important to have an equal representation of men and women in boards and managerial positions. Eurocadres encourages member states to adopt the work-life balance package to enable higher female participation on the labour market.
The Presidency programme also highlights the importance of digital literacy and digital skills, which is to be applauded. The digital transformation is rapidly changing production processes and generates a steady demand for workers with increasingly advanced digital skills. Workers need constant re- and upskilling as well as support mechanisms for just transition. Attempts to reduce the general digital divide in the EU should be based on a policy mix that includes changes in regulation and investment and solutions with regards to digital skills and reskilling.
The Presidency programme also highlights the importance of digital literacy and digital skills, which is to be applauded.
Before the start of the new year, concerns were raised about the capacity of the incoming Romanian presidency, including President Juncker in an interview in German media. Eurocadres finds many reasons to welcome and support the Romanian Presidency’s programme and we hope that the ambitious priorities will reach the finish line.