FÜR EUROPA WIRTSCHAFT - GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: Wirtschaft für ...
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WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: Facilitating recovery, enabling renewed growth
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA
area, leading in digitalisation, promoting future-proof education policies in the
member states and strengthening social partners across Europe. We also need
INTERVIEW the European Union to be stronger on a global scale. The EU must be able to
speak with one voice if it is to act on an equal footing
The EU is more than just with the USA or China. We must also regain confidence
Ingo Kramer a peace project; it also in the EU as a whole, and critically scrutinise the alleged
stands for solidarity in added value of fragmented national responses in a
President of the Confederation of German
difficult times. globalised world.
Employers' Associations (BDA)
What is the role of the economy here?
Mr. Kramer, what does the EU mean to you? The strategy for a fresh start after the crisis demands that politics and business
We owe the unprecedented period of peace in Europe to the European Union. work closely together. A well-functioning social partnership has once again
It forms the basis for our strong economy and social equality. However, the proved its worth: the social partners placed their common responsibility above
EU is more than just a peace project; it also stands for solidarity in difficult their differences during the COVID-19 crisis. The economy wants to get actively
times. We have witnessed that during the COVID-19 pandemic. After some involved and put its full weight behind shaping this fresh start, together with our
initial difficulties, we found a way together to support the member states, their companies and qualified employees. A strong Europe cannot exist without a
workers and companies, and to re-open the single market across the borders. strong and competitive economy. Strong in competition and socially balanced –
This proves more than ever that the EU is for the benefit of all. We are stronger those are Europe’s unique characteristics in the world. However, the EU needs
with the EU than without it. And that is as true for us as it is for our European to leave the necessary space to enable this.
2| |3
neighbours. Global challenges – including pandemics – are not constrained by
borders. Germany and all other member states are too small on their own to be What can we learn from one another in Europe?
able to address current global challenges and geopolitical problems. Each member state has its own strengths. For example, in Germany we have a
well-functioning reconciliation of interests. However, trade unions and employ-
What opportunities are there for Germany's EU Council Presidency? ers sitting down at the table to find solutions to difficult issues together is not
We are on a difficult journey back to normality. The world has been changed yet working as well througout Europe. The EU needs to give social partners
by the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences are going to be with us for space and should not try to regulate everything politically itself.
a long time. The global economy has been plunged into a deep recession.
This context gives Germany a unique opportunity to influence the future of the Can you give some concrete examples of this?
European Union positively. The new Commission has placed many initiatives on An EU minimum wage politicises wage issues – and pushes the responsible
the agenda which will be dealt with during Germany's EU Council Presidency. social partners aside. An EU unemployment reinsurance scheme would mean
These include the new long-term EU budget, including the Recovery Fund pro- that urgently needed reforms in national labour markets to boost competitive-
posed by German Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron, the Green ness would not be implemented. After the pandemic, the EU needs to focus on
Deal, and future relations with the United Kingdom. Germany will have to make tackling major challenges. It must maintain
compromises on critical issues. A strong Europe cannot exist and develop its own single market, act world-
without a strong economy. Strong wide as a defender of open and fair trade
What are the priorities for businesses? in competition and socially bal- and become a true player in foreign affairs
This fresh start urgently needs to be accompanied by a long-term vision for the anced– those are Europe’s unique and security policy.
EU. As an economy, we want the EU to be the world’s most attractive economic characteristics in the world
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHECONOMY AND AGEING EU POPULATION PROSPERITY THANKS TO
EMPLOYMENT IN THE EU:
THE EU SINGLE MARKET
Age Men Women
91–100 + Without the single market,
Where do we stand? 81–90 the EU’s overall GDP would be
71–80
61–70 8.5 % lower.
51–60
41–50
BEFORE COVID-19, EMPLOYMENT WAS AT A RECORD HIGH 31–40
21–30
Over 240 million people were employed in the EU. 11–20 LABOUR MOBILITY
73.1 % 72.2 % 0–10 BECOMING INCREASINGLY
70.2 % Employment rate
40 30 20 10 million 10 20 30 40 IMPORTANT
69.9 % 2019 2050
In 2018 17.6 million
6.7 % 9.0 % Europeans lived or
Unemployment rate
7.0 % 7.9 % WOMEN GAINING GROUND IN THE WORLD worked in another
2008 2019 2020 2021 OF WORK member state with 1.5 million
4| Employment rate of women and men aged 20-64 cross-border |5
SOUND GROWTH DRASTIC EFFECTS ON COMPANIES commuters.
SUDDENLY INTERRUPTED AND COUNTRIES
4.7 % 77.8 % 79.6 %
68.2 %
In 2018 over 240,000
GDP The EU economy 1.2 % more European citizens
had been grow- 62.7 % immigrated to Germa-
2019 2020 2021
ing for seven Output in the
2008 2019 ny than emigrated.
consecutive euro area
years.
–7.5 %
INCREASED COMPETITION FOR TALENT
–7.4 % EU 27 government debt ratio (% of GDP) The attractiveness of North America
2020
Europe in the global
2019 79.4 %
competition for talent is Europe
Growth prospects in the EU are currently 2020 95.1 %
relatively low.
uncertain due to the impact of COVID-19. 2021 92.0 %
60% mark Enable Attract Grow Retain
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHFACILITATING Dealing with the consequences of the
crisis is paramount. Many proposed
EUROPE’S RECOVERY: regulations no longer fit the times.
They must be postponed further or
BURDEN MORATORIUM
Restoring normality in the There can be no “business as usual”
dropped altogether to avoid burdening
workers and companies with drastic
single market in the Commission's regulatory
plans – this is also true of its work
new directives and regulations. The
density of regulations is already stifling
programme which was developed the single market to a large extent and
under completely different econom- giving way to national protectionism.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how ic circumstances.
quickly something that has been taken
for granted can end. The crisis called key
elements of the EU into question and was
an unplanned “stress test” for the single When carrying out border con-
market. The backbone of the European
SOLIDARITY
trols, the Commission’s guide- The burdensome introduction
Without solidarity, Europe would not be a true
economy must function smoothly, particular- lines must be respected. The of new instruments is delay-
community, especially in difficult times. After
ly during economic crises. We need to get borders must be opened ing urgently needed support.
some early mistakes, the EU and its member
back to normality in the single market. again as soon as the situa- Therefore, it will be right, in
states have rightly given unequivocal support
6| tion permits. In future, it must the future, to support member |7
to certain countries that have been particularly
also be ensured that states in need of assistance,
hard hit. Speed was, and still is, necessary
BORDER CONTROLS important achievements primarily through a significant-
but can only be ensured through instruments
The Schengen area has come under enormous of the single market, ly increased, and thus effec-
that are already available and easily adaptable,
pressure. Many member states closed their borders such as open borders in the tive and stable, long-term EU
such as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).
as a reflex to protect themselves from infection. Schengen area, cannot be budget, combined with the
Border controls and travel restrictions have severely unilaterally suspended with- right political priorities.
damaged the single market and its four freedoms. out European coordination.
GOODS
The aim must be to restore The free movement of goods
WORKERS the integrity of the single and border crossing by truck
For workers, the border controls and inconsistent market, also for workers, drivers were not always guaran-
For a well-functioning single market, truck drivers
approaches taken by the member states created and to remove obstacles teed during border controls.
and their vehicles must be able to move about
great legal uncertainty. Although the Commis- to intra-EU labour mobility. The free movement of goods
freely. Reliable cross-border transport links
sion asked member states to allow cross-border Newly emerged problems within the EU is not only essen-
and well-functioning supply chains are the
commuters, posted workers or seasonal workers in coordinating the Euro- tial for supplying the popu-
cornerstones for a return to normality.
in critical functions to cross the borders, unilateral pean social security lation, but also for ensuring
action often dominated. systems also need to growth and prosperity in the
be overcome. EU as a whole.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHENABLING RENEWED
GROWTH: S.23
Stimuli for an economically strong EU
S.18 S.19
Career paths
FOR WOMEN
S.10
FREEDOM OF MOVE-
MENT and MOBILITY with
no obstacles for workers
Defender of
8| The EU as the world’s OPEN TRADE |9
MOST ATTRACTIVE
ECONOMIC AREA
S.22
Future-proof
Strong EU SOCIAL EDUCATION POLICIES
PARTNERSHIP
S.14 S.21
S.15
Pioneer in the global Leading in
competition for TALENT DIGITALISATION
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHATTRACTIVE SINGLE MARKET:
REDUCING BUREAUCRACY
An engine for social and economic strength Through the “one in, one out” principle, the EU
must ensure that citizens and the economy are not
increasingly burdened by bureaucracy. Companies
A stronger single market provides must be able to focus on what is essential, particu-
Germany’s membership in the EU costs money; the basis for jobs and builds the larly in times of crisis. If new regulations introduce
however, the enormous advantages – such as foundations for competitiveness new pressures, the burdens in other areas must
freedom of movement and access to the world’s in Europe. Strengthening the be removed. This brake on bureaucracy should be
largest economic area – by far outweigh the attractiveness of the single market applied in all EU policy areas.
costs. Those who enjoy such benefits must prac- is therefore all the more important
tise solidarity through EU funding. For the new for the recovery of economic ac-
long-term EU budget, sufficient future-oriented tivity. To ensure competitiveness
and the prosperity of all European
resources must be secured without delay in
citizens, the EU must become
order to tackle the effects of the crisis – and Ger-
the most attractive economic
many too needs to make a greater contribution.
area for companies, workers and
investors. This includes opening THE EURO AND THE
up the single market and thoroughly removing barriers for companies and
10 |
workers, for example, in the following areas:
ECONOMIC UNION: | 11
Posted workers:
In 2018, some 400,000 workers from Germany were posted to other member Both an achievement and an obligation
states, and just under 430,000 were posted to Germany. The new Posting of
Workers Directive, which is to be implemented in member states by the end
of July 2020, creates a fragmented single market due to the many bureau- Correct: strengthen reforms
cratic hurdles and interventions in the respective remuneration systems. in EU member states It is important to develop the Economic and
Many companies currently face existential challenges. They need to set other The strength of the Economic and Monetary Union further in order to consolidate
priorities and cannot afford to use their resources to meet new requirements. Monetary Union is based on the the progress already made and to strengthen
The existing posting of workers system in the EU urgently needs to be competitiveness of the individual the EU in the long term. A stable euro is essen-
restructured on the basis of the existing freedom of movement of workers member states. Both the financial and tial for companies and consumers.
and freedom to provide services. economic crisis and the COVID-19
pandemic have highlighted the need
A1 certificates: to strengthen coordination of economic policy between member states in
The different national rules on A1 certificates (proof of social security insurance the context of the European Semester in order to better address common
for employees working in other EU countries) are causing considerable legal challenges. This is where the EU can take concrete action: we need further
uncertainties among employees and companies. Business trips and short- incentives for national structural reforms after the crisis as well as an
term postings in almost all sectors must be exempted as soon as possible impetus for social security systems on a sound financial footing in order to
from the requirement to apply for an A1 certificate. stabilise economic recovery in the long term.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHTHE NEED FOR REFORM IN MEMBER STATES Instead, the flexibility and resilience of labour markets should be promoted
ACCORDING TO CITIZENS OF THE EURO AREA in the long term. The EU's short time work scheme SURE, which was quickly
conjured out of a hat, must under no circumstances develop into a perma-
92 91 90
nent European unemployment reinsurance scheme.
% % %
HEALTH SYSTEM EDUCATION SYSTEM LABOUR MARKET GOOD TO KNOW
89 %
PENSION SCHEMES
86 %
SOCIAL SECURITY 80 % of citizens in the euro area say that
the euro is good for the EU.
76 %
SYSTEM
of citizens in the euro area say that the euro
has simplified cross-border transactions.
THE EURO OFFERS CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGES FOR OUR LIVES
AND THE ECONOMY
A guarantee for sound finances: the Stability and Growth Pact
… used in 19 EU member states. The Stability and Growth Pact specifies fiscal criteria for member states in
order to prevent excessive debt. Sound public finances provide sufficient
… used by 340 million people in Europe.
room for manoeuvre in crisis situations. Against this background, compliance
12 | | 13
… is the world’s second most important currency. with fiscal rules in general should be strengthened rather than weakened.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Stability and Growth Pact
… has an average inflation rate below 2%. is already flexible enough to be able to respond quickly to crises. Intergener-
… allows easily comparable prices. ationally equitable public finances are crucial for the future and for Europe’s
resilience.
… no longer involves exchange rate costs.
Green Deal:
thinking climate protection and competitiveness together
With the Green Deal the EU Commission aims to make Europe climate-neutral
Not a good idea: the EU unemployment reinsurance scheme by 2050. The Green Deal should be perceived and implemented as a growth
Solidarity must be achieved within the EU but not every new EU instrument strategy. Successful climate protection can only be achieved in close collabora-
helps to stabilise the Economic and Monetary Union or provides member tion with a competitive and innovative economy. We must be part of the solution:
states with rapid, targeted assistance. The envisaged EU unemployment creative companies and their employees are developing environmentally friend-
reinsurance scheme is sending the wrong signals and could hinder member ly technologies and business models. This can also lead to the creation of new
states from implementing necessary reforms in time or creating room for jobs and secure prosperity. How and when the Green Deal can be imple-
manoeuvre in difficult situations. Financial transfers from joint funds are pe- mented needs to be reassessed after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional
nalising those EU countries that ensured flexible and robust labour markets burdens on companies must be avoided in order not to hamper a sustainable
at an early stage. recovery.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHIMPORTANT SKILLED Existing channels for migration to the
labour markets of member states
WORKERS FOR EUROPE: must be made transparent, and
procedures must be simplified and
Only 27,241
accelerated. All players involved
Attract talented people, need to collaborate better – prefer-
Cards were
in 2018.
issued in G
Blue
ermany
ably unbureaucratically, quickly and
develop the Blue Card further digitally: such as public employment
services and companies in EU mem-
ber states on the one hand, and universi-
Travel restrictions during the pandemic ties and embassies in third countries on the other.
effectively halted the mobility of skilled
workers from third countries. However, due
to demographic change and the increa-
singly evident shortages of skilled ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
workers, the EU should continue to
encourage the migration of skilled
workers from third countries. Each PROGRESS:
EU member state should focus on
14 |
the respective needs of its own Works only together | 15
domestic labour market. It is clear that, on their own, the domestic and the
European labour force cannot compensate for the decline in the potential
workforce. In the long term, Europe needs migration of highly qualified Close to operational reality: social partnership
workers, both academically and vocationally, from third countries. The The European economic model is based on a social market economy and
USA’s Green Card is well-known throughout the world – the EU’s Blue Card social partnership. Social partners must work in close cooperation with poli-
needs to become just as attractive. cymakers and at company level and play a key role during the pandemic in
keeping people in work and companies in the market.
The European social partners also play a central role under the EU treaties.
TARGETED DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLUE CARD IS NEEDED European social dialogue is an effective instrument for actively shaping Euro-
IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO ATTRACT IMPORTANT TALENT IN THE pean social policy and contributing to EU integration. It leads to practical and
GLOBAL COMPETITION FOR SKILLED WORKERS targeted results that create added value for companies and employees rather
than subjecting them to additional bureaucratic rules.
1. Make the minimum salary threshold more flexible, e.g. for job starters European social dialogue will help tackle the economic and social conse-
2. Remove the close link between the field of study and professional activity quences of the pandemic in the future too. The goal must be to reinforce
the role of the social partners throughout Europe, particularly in these
3. Ensure uniform rules for business trips to other EU countries unprecedented times, and to further promote social dialogue.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHART. 153 OF THE
SOCIAL DIALOGUE AT EU LEVEL Minimum wage: interfering with the responsibilities TREATY ON THE
of employers and trade unions FUNCTIONING OF
An EU minimum wage framework would be dangerous: it THE EUROPEAN
TRADE UNIONS EMPLOYERS would weaken the social partnership. National social partners UNION
must continue to be able to agree on appropriate solutions lists the socio-polit-
to wage issues that give them the necessary flexibility. The ical areas in which
initiative disregards the fact that the European treaties explicit- the EU can support
ly exclude any competence of the EU regarding wage issues. its member states.
The autonomy of the social partners must be respected and Paragraph 5 states
EU INSTITUTIONS given clear priority. In Scandinavia, trade unions and employ- explicitly:
“The provisions of
ers are united in their vehement opposition to an EU minimum
Employers and trade unions can also exchange views, negotiate and, this Article shall not
wage.
apply to pay (…)”.
where necessary, conclude legally binding agreements at EU level.
The range of minimum wages in Europe is wide: there is a dif-
ference of approx. 10 euro between the highest and the lowest
wages. This shows that neither economic conditions nor the
situation in labour markets in the individual EU states can be
Social policy: the task of the member states standardised. Even after the pandemic, national economic
Social Europe also derives its strength from the fact that different conditions must remain the decisive criterion; an undifferentiat-
16 | | 17
traditions and paths exist everywhere. The goal of achieving ed view is out of the question.
stronger labour markets binds Europe together; however, the means
to achieve that goal must not be determined centrally. For that Certain MEPs are calling for a minimum wage amounting to
reason, according to article 153 of the Treaty on the Functioning of 60 percent of the median wage of the respective country.
the European Union, social policy is specifically the responsibility of Implementing that in the current economic environment would
the member states: the EU shall merely “support and complement aggravate the tense situation for many companies and hence
the activities of the Member States” in precisely determined areas. also on national labour markets. A framework for European
The European Commission's plan to implement in detail the Europe- minimum wages would make crisis management more difficult,
an Pillar of Social Rights with its 20 principles threatens to upset the reduce labour market opportunities and delay the goal of
carefully considered balance between the responsibilities of the EU achieving equal standards of living across Europe.
and those of its member states.
If the consequences of the crisis are to be overcome, the following
must apply: a socially strong Europe can only be achieved based on THE MEDIAN WAGE – UNSUITABLE AS A STANDARD OF COMPARISON
economic recovery and success. That is why we want to preserve Assessing the minimum wage based on the median wage is not conclusive:
the diversity of labour markets and continue shaping social The highest European minimum wage in Luxembourg, at 12.38 euro, is 53.8 percent
systems in the member states. There is no need for additional EU of the country’s median wage, while Portugal, with a minimum hourly wage of
regulations. 3.83 euro, exceeds the 60 percent mark.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHFREEDOM OF MOVEMENT BUREAUCRATIC OBSTACLES Access to the social security
Currently only national social security system: no automatic right of access
FOR EU WORKERS: numbers exist in Europe. An EU social
security number could specifically
Freedom of movement does not mean
immigration into the social security sys-
facilitate cross-border mobility – the EU tems. The rulings of the European Court
Making movement easier through more Commission needs to present a concrete of Justice on the strict conditions for
proposal and discuss it in detail with the access-ing the social security systems of
transparent information social partners and member states. other member states must be incorporated
into EU legislation.
ONLY AS A MEMBER OF THE EU:
Freedom of movement enables all EU citizens to earn a living
anywhere in the EU where good jobs are available. 17.6 million On an equal footing with the world
Europeans live or work in another member state; 1.5 million are
cross-border commuters.
18 | | 19
The world around Europe has changed dramatically. Protectionism
Even in normal times, freedom of movement in the EU is all too is increasing and multilateralism is under pressure. Today, the EU
often complicated by practical obstacles. To facilitate the mobility must play a special role as leader and defender of open and
of the labour force within the EU, information about job vacancies fair trade. Only together as the EU can we influence the standards
in Europe and EU-wide job placement services must be improved. and regulations of the global market – for the benefit of employees
Employers and employees lack a structured overview and and companies.
collection of relevant information: often they do not know what
they need to comply with when dealing with authorities in other Defending open trade
EU countries. Protectionism and separation are damaging; the
advantages of rule-based trade can be observed
everywhere. Every seventh job in Europe depends
on cross-border trade with third countries. Eco-
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of coordination at EU level nomic and social aspects already play an important
and of pooling reliable national information for workers and companies. The new role in this respect: relevant chapters of EU free
EU Labour Authority (ELA) must provide easy access to information for employees trade agreements with labour and environmental
and employers on regulations in other EU member states: preferably by simply standards can also be useful, but sanctions are
clicking on a single EU website available in all languages. counter-productive.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHDESIGNING DIGITALISATION:
JOBS IN THE EU THANKS TO STRONG TRADE Updating qualifications, creating jobs
Number of jobs supported by EU exports to the rest of the world per member state
Digitalisation enables flexible, mobile and smart working and creates new forms
FRANCE POLAND THE NETHERLANDS of employment. It calls on the European economy to find new solutions. Work
3.3 million 2.3 million 1.8 million models have been forced to change, particularly during the COVID-19 pandem-
ic, and many companies and their employees have successfully entered new
technical and organisational territory. This underlines not only the significance of
digital tools, but also the need for digital skills. The crisis has shown that digital
progress flourishes above all when given creative leeway. This makes a frame-
work for fair competition and innovation in the EU all the more important,
but not premature regulations that restrict them.
GERMANY ITALY SPAIN ROMANIA
7.8 million 3.2 million 2.0 million 1.4 million
THE EU WORKFORCE’S DIGITAL SKILLS ARE TOO LOW
42 % 25 % 33 %
20 | | 21
More regulations will put supply chains at risk
The EU economy recognises its special responsibility to respect
human rights and actively participates in sustainability initiatives.
However, introducing new European supply chain regulations
No basic digital skills Basic digital skills Above basic digital skills
and responsibilities at the European level is not the right
approach. Priority must be given to restoring the supply chains
interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic so that companies can
have all the resources at their disposal to combat its consequences.
Introducing rules on liability for the conduct of third parties is also In demand: qualifications for the new world of work
not in line with international standards and should continue to be The success of the European economy depends on the right
rejected. Introducing such rules would mean that the EU would educational policy: on qualified employees and their ideas and
effectively impose state protection obligations on companies innovations. Digitalisation is changing demands on employees
which not even the EU or its member states could monitor or fulfil and their skills. The Commission’s educational policy initiatives
themselves. Companies would be forced to withdraw from certain such as the Skills Agenda and the Digital Education Action Plan
regions. Supply chain regulations would achieve the opposite must focus on this – digital competences and social skills are
of what they set out to achieve. At this point in time, they would more important than ever.
seem to be completely out of place.
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA GERMANY'S EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY: FACILITATING RECOVERY, ENABLING RENEWED GROWTHThe significance of digital learning opportunities has been demon- New forms of work: PLATFORM WORK
strated not least during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reskilling and online platforms
upskilling will be constant companions throughout our working lives: The placement of work a flexible way to earn additional income
the EU can support these changes with future-proof strategies for orders via online platforms
workers are free to decide how they want to work
life-long learning. gives workers the chance
to organise their work in a uncomplicated procurement of work orders
flexible way. Platforms enable
straightforward, personalised easy access to work
To date, 10 million people have taken part in the Erasmus+ programme to access to work offers ranging
study, train, gain work experience or carry out voluntary work abroad in the no need for EU legislation
from babysitting to jobs in IT.
EU. The Erasmus+ programme is an undisputed hallmark of the EU. It needs to Platform work is generally
function smoothly again in order to enable the younger generation to develop a flexible way to earn a small additional income. Despite the lack of reliable
a spirit of discovery, as was the case before the crisis. Multiplying Erasmus+ figures, far-reaching regulatory proposals are already being discussed which
funds is still the right thing to do. ignore the diversity of existing business models and forms of employment in
the platform economy and would restrict their possibilities. Of course, potential
undesirable developments must be addressed. However, the labour markets
and social security systems in the EU are equipped differently in this respect:
EDUCATION POLICY: CLOSING QUALIFICATION GAPS platform work must be differentiated and dealt with within the context
of national legislation.
22 | | 23
80% of CEOs are concerned whether they can find
and recruit employees with the right qualifications.
Career paths: gender-neutral
and non-discriminatory
Over 70% of European companies admit that the lack of Companies want to retain well-qualified differences. Practical solutions, such as
qualifications is hampering their investments. employees in the long term, regardless stereotype-free career guidance and the
of gender. They offer company-based expansion of childcare and all-day school-
solutions to enable employees to rec- ing, enable far more targeted progress
oncile work and family. Individual, local and careers, regardless of gender.
solutions offer a far more flexible frame-
work than rigid statutory rules. Even dur- A non-discriminatory working atmo-
ing the COVID-19 pandemic, fast, flexible sphere is in everyone’s interest. How-
solutions for reconciling family and work ever, national implementation of the
life were successfully implemented at EU Anti-discrimination Directive goes
company level. beyond its requirements and has led to
legal uncertainty. Rather than introducing
Despite an increased proportion of new legislation, the uncertainties in the
women in management positions, application of anti-discrimination laws
there is still some catching up to do. EU should be removed.
quotas do not solve the causes of these
WIRTSCHAFT FÜR EUROPA DIE DEUTSCHE RATSPRÄSIDENTS CHAFT: ERHOLUNG ERLEICHTERN, NEUEN AUFSCHWUNG ERMÖGLICHENGERMANY'S EU Legal notice
COUNCIL PRESIDENCY Publisher:
BDA Ι DIE ARBEITGEBER
Authors:
Hans-Heinrich Baumann, Lena Behmenburg,
Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Arbeitgeberverbände Julian Caligiuri, Brigitte De Vita, Arne Franke,
Seizing opportunities to set stimuli Breite Strasse 29, 10178 Berlin, Germany
T +49 30 2033-0
Richard Heimann, Teresa Hornung, Nicolas Keller,
Noora Neumayer, Paul Noll, Linda Schollenberg,
www.arbeitgeber.de Michael Stiefel, Benjamin Stumpp
Member of BusinessEurope Version: 8 June 2020
What is the EU Council Presidency?
The EU Council Presidency is the Presidency of the Council of the Eu- Editors: Execution and illustrations:
Arne Franke GDA Gesellschaft für Marketing und Service
ropean Union. It is where the ministers of national governments meet – Teresa Hornung der Deutschen Arbeitgeber mbH
virtually or face-to-face – to agree on common positions and to adopt Noora Neumayer Breite Strasse 29, 10178 Berlin, Germany
T +32 2 792 1050
EU legislation, for example. In addition to the Councils of Ministers, a bruessel@arbeitgeber.de
large number of meetings of EU ambassadors and working groups will Translation: EuroMinds Linguistics
also be held under Germany's chairmanship. Photo credits: © Christian Kruppa
What are the tasks of the Presidency of the EU Council? References
The Council Presidency is responsible for preparing the meetings of
various bodies and proposing compromises. It can also push forward Page 4: Page 12:
Eurostat 2020 online data code: T2020_10 and TPS00203 Flash Eurobarometer 481 2019 (queries per sector)
important current issues.
24 | (2008 (EU28), 2019 (EU27)); European Commission 2020,
Spring 2020 Economic Forecast (EU27) (forecasted data for Federal Ministry of Finance 2019, 20 years of the euro: a
How long does the Presidency of the EU Council last? the employment rate: own calculation based on the annual successful currency; European Central Bank 2020, Inflation
percentage change) in the euro area
The Presidency of the EU Council rotates every six months between
the 27 member states. It is Germany's turn to preside over the work of European Commission 2020, Winter 2020 Economic Forecast; Page 13:
European Commission 2020, Spring 2020 Economic Flash Eurobarometer 481 2019
the Council from July to December 2020. The so-called “Trio Pres- Forecast
idency” is made up of three member states, each of which succes- Page 15:
IMF 2020, World Economic Outlook – The Great Lockdown Federal Office for Migration and Refugees 2019,
sively holds the Presidency of the Council. They ensure the long-term EU Blue Card figures
consistency of the work. Germany is in a Trio Presidency with Portugal European Commission 2020, Spring 2020 Economic
Forecast Page 17:
and Slovenia.
WSI 2020, WSI minimum wage report 2020 (no. 55)
Page 5:
How is the German business involved? Eurostat 2019, online data code: proj_18np Page 20:
European Commission 2018, EU Exports to the World:
BDA will be involved intensively in the discussions on Germany's European Commission 2019, Single Market Performance Effects on Employment (2017 figures)
Council Presidency at home and in the EU institutions and will formu- Report 2019; effects of COVID-19 on data currently unclear
Page 21:
late specific stimuli, in particular via BusinessEurope - the umbrella Eurostat 2020 online data code: lfsi_emp_a; effects of Eurostat 2020, online data code: isoc_sk_dskl_i
organisation for employers and industry. COVID-19 on data currently unclear (2019 figures)
European Commission 2020, 2019 Annual Report on Intra-EU Page 22:
Labour Mobility (2018 figures); Federal Office for Migraton PwC 2018, 21st CEO Survey – the talent challenge; European
and Refugees 2019, Freedom of movement monitoring; Commission 2019, Skills for Industry
migration of EU citizens to Germany (2018 figures)
Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2020, Pillars 1–4 ;
Effects of COVID-19 on data currently unclearwww.wirtschaftfuereuropa.de #WirtschaftfürEuropa
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