MEPs from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee conclude visit to Prague
A delegation of MEPs concluded a three-day (23-25/05) visit to Prague, where they met ministers, politicians, social partners, researchers and bodies assisting refugees from Ukraine.
The visit was an opportunity to discuss the upcoming legislative priorities of the future Czech Presidency, which will be responsible for conducting negotiations on files that are important for the Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee, including the minimum wage directive, the pay transparency directive, the social climate fund and social security coordination. Other priorities will include tackling rocketing energy prices and energy poverty.
The members of the delegation discussed the impact of the war in the Ukraine on the situation of Ukrainian refugees and subsequently on the Czech Republic’s labour market. Minister Jurečka highlighted that 55 000 Ukrainian refugees (out of 350 000 officially registered refugees) have already found a job. When meeting with Czech social partners, the increase in energy prices and inflation affecting the labour market including labour force shortages were at the centre of discussions. A reskilled and qualified labour force are crucial for the Czech Republic. Gender equality issues also need to be addressed.
Members visited the Regional Assistance Centre for Assistance to Ukraine and were impressed by the highly efficient way in which the centre is organised, where refugees are registered, receive visas, access to social security and to the public employment services and can open a bank account in one single place and within one hour.
Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ (EPP), the Czech MEP said that the aim was to "meet with the incoming Czech Council Presidency to discuss the most important topics and to meet with governmental and non-governmental organisations taking care of Ukrainian refugees arriving in the Czech Republic. Solidarity with refugees and with member states welcoming them is an important signal to give. The demographic situation impacts the labour force available, the pension system. People with disabilities need Council to address an EU-wide available card”.
Radan KANEV (EPP, Bulgaria), who participated in the delegation, added: “I was deeply and positively impressed by the way in which Czech society and the government are dealing with the accommodation and integration of hundreds of thousands of refugees from Ukraine. What makes the Czech achievements really exceptional is the integration of refugees on the labour market and the organisation of care and education for children, making it an outstanding example for other EU countries.
During our meeting with government officials and social partners, I was also impressed by the new Czech government’s realistic and pragmatic approach on social and economic policies. Based on this approach, I am optimistic that the upcoming Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU will succeed in reaching important compromises on numerous legislative dossiers with significant impact on our labour market, economy and social system.”
Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, Germany), a member of the delegation, concluded: “Europe is expecting a ‘hot-cold’ autumn 2022. Citizens’ purchasing power is decreasing dramatically because of the rising energy and food prices. In particular, people who have the least pay the highest price, be it globally in the South or here in Europe. We had a very constructive exchange with the incoming Presidency of the Council about the possible EU strategies to tackle these global challenges and to guarantee social peace and wealth in Europe. The remaining negotiation package on the regulation on coordination of social security systems, which failed to receive support in Council, was discussed. I am satisfied that the upcoming Czech Presidency will take up the reins from the Slovenian Presidency and is committed to working on solutions.”