Belgium leads the EU with a social vision for 2024

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the EU-OSHA website.

Belgium has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2024, a crucial year for the EU as it prepares for the elections of the European Parliament and the new Commission.

A strong social agenda for a fair and inclusive society

The Belgian Presidency wants to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, which aims to ensure equal opportunities, fair working conditions and social protection for all EU citizens. This has arisen from the challenges of the current context such as an ageing population and environmental and technological transitions, e.g. driven by Artificial Intelligence. With this in mind, the Presidency will focus on the following areas:

• Decent wages and quality work: promote fair pay and working conditions, as well as the prevention of work-related risks, such as mental health issues and carcinogens.
• Social dialogue and labour mobility: foster dialogue between social partners at all levels, as well as facilitate the free movement of workers within the EU.
• Sustainable social protection: support the access to adequate and affordable social protection for all, especially in the context of the ageing population and the digital and green transitions.

EU-OSHA contributes to this ambitious agenda by participating in a high-level conference on mental health and work and in an event on the Roadmap on Carcinogens. The thematic day of the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC) also deals with carcinogens at work.

A strategic vision for the future of the EU

The Belgian Presidency also aims to lay the groundwork for the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, which will define the main priorities and challenges for the EU in the coming years. The Presidency will seek to involve all stakeholders, including the EU institutions, the Member States, the civil society and the citizens, in shaping the future of the EU. You can visit the website of the Belgian EU Presidency to discover its six priorities:

1. Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity.

2. Strengthening competitiveness.

3. Pursuing a green and just transition,

4. Reinforcing social and health agenda.

5. Protecting people and borders.

6. Promoting a global Europe

How to learn more and get involved

You can visit the website of the Belgian EU Presidency to learn more. You can also follow the hashtag #EU2024BE on social media to stay updated and join the conversation.

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Sources

Belgian EU presidency promotes strong social agenda including mental health at work and work-related carcinogens by EU-OSHA, 1st January, 2024.