1. “Employment policies in turbulent times: a view from the Commission"
ITC/ILO
13 March 2017
Krzysztof Nowaczek
DG Employment and Social Inclusion
European Commission 

2. Employment and social challenges in Europe (2008 – 2016)

3. Employment: highest level ever in 2016 Q2
Source: DG EMPL calculations based on Eurostat, National Accounts

4. Long term unemployment rate remains very high
The long-term unemployment rate is the percentage of people unemployed for 12 months or more in the total number of active people in the labour market. Active people are those who are either employed or unemployed and looking for work.

5. Youth unemployment remains a challenge

6. Gaps in employment rate (20-64) and between male and female full-time equivalent employment rate, 2015

7. … and poverty remains high.
Source: DG EMPL calculations based on Eurostat
Source: AMECO database

8. Is the "crisis" behind us?

9. Worries of Europeans: what do you think are the two most important issues facing (YOUR COUNTRY) at the moment?

10. Coordination of fiscal and economic, employment and social policies

11. i) European Semester

12. What is the European Semester
The European Semester, launched in 2011, is the EU's annual cycle of economic policy guidance and surveillance.
Implementation of the EU’s economic governance is organised annually in a cycle, known as the European Semester, as part of which:
•the European Commission analyses the fiscal and structural reform policies of every Member State, provides recommendations, and monitors their implementation;
•the Member States implement the commonly agreed policies

13. 2017 Annual Growth Survey
…virtuous triangle of economic policy… focus on social fairness to deliver more inclusive growth

14. On structural reforms: Employment and social priorities
Investment
Human capital
Youth and jobseekers
Social infrastructure, including childcare
Job creation
Equal opportunities
Balance between flexibility and security
Wage setting systems that react to productivity
Effective social dialogue
Enhancing skills
Focus on labour market relevance of skills
Modernize education and training systems
New Skills Agenda for Europe
Social policy as productive factor
Labour market participation and employment security
Adequate income support and quality social services
Pension and health reforms

15. Employment, skills/education and social Country Specific Recommendations

16. Implementation
Ownership on the ground and dialogue with key stakeholders important
Involvement of social partners
European Semester visits to MS
Bilateral meetings
Technical support and EU funds are available for Member States to realize policy reforms

17. ii) Role of the European Union funds

18. European Social Fund (ESF): Funding & objectives in 2014-20
In this period, the ESF will provide some €80 billion (in current prices) in funding to:
■train people and help them get into work
■promote social inclusion
■improve education & training
■improve the quality of public services in your country.
Every year, the Fund helps some 15 million people into work, or to improve their skills to find work in future.
In addition Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) aims to support particularly young people not in education, employment or training in regions with a youth unemployment rate above 25%.
European Social Fund (ESF): Funding & objectives in

19. iii: Exchanges of good practices and policy transfer

20. Case: Youth Guarantee

21. Thank You! Questions?