Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela represented Malta during a two-day informal meeting of Ministers for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), organised by the Slovenian Presidency between 8 and 9 July 2021.
The main aim of these meetings was to discuss ways and means to facilitate labour market transitions and to promote job quality for greater resilience and inclusiveness. The ministers looked into the current youth employment challenges. Malta currently holds the second lowest youth unemployment rate across the EU27.
During his intervention, Minister Abela highlighted that, “We always refer to our youth as ‘our future’. However, we should refer to them as ‘our present’. Youths are facing challenges now, so we need to do our utmost to address them.” He explained that online learning and remote working are important tools that allow young people to continue their education and to achieve a better work-life balance.
The ministers also had the opportunity to discuss policies that promote quality jobs and ways to support workers through the transitions they face throughout their working lives.
During the meeting, Malta voiced its support for policies aimed at making labour markets more inclusive. Minister Abela shared examples of how Malta successfully implemented policies aimed at making its labour market more inclusive, such as the free childcare scheme for helping working parents in employment; the enactment of laws that facilitate the integration of people with disabilities in the labour market; and, the youth guarantee scheme which assists young people to further their studies and find gainful employment.
Minister Abela reiterated Malta’s commitment to ensure that everyone has access to training opportunities, irrespective of gender, age, or background. “We are in the recovery period; therefore, we need to use EU and national funds to invest in our economy and in our people, ensuring that no one is left behind. We need to work together with our European partners but also at a local level, to ensure that policies, not only address the current challenges faced by our workers but ensure a future-proof Europe”, remarked Minister Abela.
Photos (MSD)
