Overview of recent decisions on EU social and health policy.

HS – 06/2025

On 19 and 20 June, the Ministers for Social Affairs and Health met in Brussels for the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO). Employment and social policy matters were discussed on 19 June, while health topics were addressed on 20 June. The meeting was also attended by European Union (EU) Commissioners Roxana Mînzatu, Hadja Lahbib and Olivér Várhelyi.

Directive and quality framework for traineeships

Taking into account the diversity of national systems, the Polish presidency succeeded in securing a general approach to the Traineeship Directive. The Council agreed on a clearly defined scope, aiming on the one hand at better working conditions for trainees and on the other at combating bogus traineeships. Regarding the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships, the Polish presidency informed that a working group meeting had taken place on 3 June to prepare the upcoming Danish presidency’s work on the recommendation.

European Semester

In the context of the European Semester, the European Commission presented the spring package, which includes country-specific recommendations, employment guidelines and country reports. The ministers also discussed the new Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, which is expected by the end of the year, as well as the first EU anti-poverty strategy. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and called for the new Action Plan to address fair mobility, workplace participation, digitalisation of the world of work and homelessness. Germany also supported a holistic poverty strategy that considers the various dimensions of poverty and social exclusion in their entirety.

Equal Treatment Directive

Further, the ministers exchanged views on the European Commission's proposal for a Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive. A large majority of Member States expressed support for continuing work on the current draft directive with a view to reaching agreement in the Council. Germany, however, maintained reservations and was the only Member State to speak out against the directive. Among other concerns, the new federal government rejects the provisions on social protection in the current text. It also emphasised that a new proposal from the European Commission would only be meaningful if prior discussions are held with dissenting Member States and their concerns are addressed.

Coordination of social security systems

On the reform of the coordination of social security systems, the Polish presidency reported that the first round of trilogue negotiations had taken place on 3 June. Unfortunately, the discussions revealed significant differences between the positions of the Council and the European Parliament, particularly regarding exemptions from mandatory prior notification for the A1 certificate. As a result, an agreement under the Polish presidency was no longer considered feasible. Many Member States expressed disappointment. Germany nonetheless remained optimistic about the chances for agreement and signalled willingness to explore potential compromises. Despite the challenges, Germany believes another attempt to reach agreement should be made soon.

Critical Medicines Act

Member States welcomed the objectives and aims of the draft regulation, particularly regarding the strengthening of supply security within the EU. Several Member States, including Germany, criticised the lack of clarity in the funding framework and called for clearly defined, EU-funded support. Germany also argued that the strategic role of generic medicines was not sufficiently reflected in the proposal, and called for targeted incentives for their procurement. The scope of measures of common interest needs clarification, rules on third countries require further specification, and bureaucracy should be avoided. Furthermore, Germany still sees a need for further action regarding the procurement of medicinal products by the Commission. Regarding the Medical Device Regulation, Germany called for common principles on stockpiling.

Pharmaceutical reform

Health ministers welcomed the Council’s general approach to the EU pharmaceutical reform (directive and regulation), reached in June. Progress on data protection, the availability of medicines, regulatory efficiency and supply security was appreciated. Despite broad support, some concerns were raised about derogations, transitional periods and incentive systems. Germany underlined the importance of medicines for both supply security and the EU’s capacity for innovation. Patent protection and regulatory data exclusivity are crucial for competitiveness. A reliable and predictable incentive system is just as important as a legally secure and balanced approach to the Bolar exemption, according to Germany.

Mental health of children and adolescents in the digital era

The Council adopted conclusions on promoting and protecting the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital era. Member States and the Commission are called upon to better protect the mental health of children and adolescents when using digital tools. Member States welcomed the conclusions as an important step. German Health Minister Dr Nina Warken called for further development of the Digital Services Act’s strong provisions and urged the European Commission to propose an act on digital fairness to close existing consumer protection gaps.