During the WG5 meeting, participants had the opportunity to share relevant policy updates from the EaP countries. The discussion focused on assessing and reflecting on the commonalities and differences shared by the EaP countries when it comes to social and labour-related issues. All EaP countries highlighted significant changes in the labour relations within 2020 and 2021.

Furthermore, participants discussed labour-related measures adopted at the national level to combat the effects of the pandemic, as well as minimum wage changes and teleworking practices. Participants also called for more dialogue on social values, good working conditions and social protection in the EaP countries.

One of the main priorities of the Working Group 5 is to promote the adoption and implementation of the European norms and international standards defined by the European Social Charter and European Pillar of Social Rights. Following the Porto Social Summit (May 2021) organised under the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the policy session “EPSR – what’s in a word?” was a timely reminder of the importance of EPSR for both the EU and the EaP countries.

Read the full report of the meeting here.