EU employment ministers to discuss the effects of digital and green transition on work

The EU ministers responsible for employment, social, health and consumer affairs (EPSCO) will convene for an informal meeting in Bordeaux, France on 15 February 2022. The meeting will focus on the effects of the digital and green transition on the labour market. 

The informal meeting of the EPSCO Council will discuss the effects of the green transition and digitalisation on the future of working life. It is important to Finland that society anticipates and prepares for the changes in advance and that social partners and other stakeholders are invited to participate in planning and evaluating the climate measures. State Under-Secretary Elina Pylkkänen will represent Finland at the meeting.

“It is key that employees are consulted and heard well in advance about the changes that climate measures can cause for working life. Developing skills based on the needs of working life and increasing RDI investments are building blocks for new, high-quality jobs and tasks,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.  

Research and innovation activities also create new jobs

Finland emphasises the importance of research, development and innovation as enablers of the digital and green transition. RDI activities also create new jobs and tasks. 

In addition to the general debate, the ministers will discuss the ways to respond to the changing needs of working life, to support professional transitions and to strengthen the role of social dialogue in adapting to the digital and green transitions in working life. State Under-Secretary Elina Pylkkänen will participate in the discussion on supporting professional transitions.

In the informal meetings, ministers discuss current issues, but no decisions are taken.

Inquiries:
Piritta Jokelainen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 353
Pauliina Porkka, Adviser to the Minister of Employment (EU and international affairs), tel. +358 295 048 278
Liisa Heinonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 064 131