Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States in 2016
PURPOSE: to confirm, for 2016, the validity of the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States.
NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2016/1838 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States for 2016.
BACKGROUND: the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce as well as labour markets that are responsive to economic change.
On 14 July 2015, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the Union.
On 5 October 2015, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2015/1848 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States for 2015 (‘employment guidelines’).
Those two sets of guidelines form the integrated guidelines for implementing the Europe 2020 strategy (‘Europe 2020 integrated guidelines’). They are in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 17 and 18 March 2016 and with the Stability and Growth Pact. They give precise guidance to the Member States on defining their National Reform Programmes and on implementing reforms, while reflecting interdependence.
The examination of Member States' National Reform Programmes contained in the Joint Employment Report shows that Member States should make every effort to:
- boost demand for labour,
- enhance labour supply,
- skills and competences,
- enhance the functioning of labour market,
- foster social inclusion,
- combat poverty and promote equal opportunities.
These objectives are in line with the 2015 Guidelines.
CONTENT: under this Decision, it is provided that the guidelines for Member States' employment policies as set out in the Annex to Council Decision of 5 October 2015 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States are maintained for 2016.
The employment guidelines should remain stable to ensure a focus on their implementation. In the light of an assessment of the developments of the labour markets and the social situation since the adoption of the employment guidelines in 2015, no update is necessary. The reasons for their adoption in 2015 remain valid, therefore those guidelines should be maintained.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 13.10.2016.