EU ministers have approved conclusions on equality and adopted a recommendation against housing exclusion, including homelessness. They did so at a meeting of the EU Employment and Social Policy Council in Luxembourg, where Bulgaria's labour and social policy minister Natalia Efremova presented her country's position, the ministry's press office said.
The Council's conclusions describe equality as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness. Efremova said human rights, equality and the fight against discrimination are a condition for competitive growth. She said action against discrimination has already brought clear, measurable benefits to Bulgarian society.
The ministers also discussed how to bring people who are outside the labour market back to work. Efremova said this helps fight poverty and social exclusion, as well as the shortage of workers in the EU.
She said the EU needs common goals and strong coordination. It must also look at the problems of each person: low skills and education, long-term unemployment, disability, caring for relatives and limited access to services.
Another topic was the Quality Jobs Act, a future legislative initiative of the European Commission. Efremova said Bulgaria expects it to contain not only ambitious political pledges but also concrete laws to deal with the challenges facing the future of work.
She said artificial intelligence algorithms must be managed with a balance between technological innovation and the protection of workers.
Efremova also backed an update of the EU legal framework on health and safety at work. She said the rules must cover work with screen equipment and new forms of work, and must protect workers during digitalisation.