Presentation of a strategy for employment, social dialogue and labour rights at the Berlin Conference on the Western Balkans.
At a time of intense European developments in the labour market and increased geopolitical challenges, the Kostas Karagounis highlights Greece’s key role as a leading actor in employment and social cohesion policies in Europe, putting forward a modern model of reform with an emphasis on development, training and protection of workers. In this context, the link between economic policy, labour reforms and international relations highlightsthe need for a coherent national strategy that enhances domestic growth.
The State Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Costas Karagounis, participated in the Western Balkans Conference, in the context of the Berlin Process on the joint promotion of employment and social policy, where he held talks with his colleagues and counterparts, including the German Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Ms Bärbel Bas, the German State Secretary for Labour and Social Affairs, Dr. Michael Schäfer, as well as the Executive Director of the European Labour Authority, Mr Cosmin Boiangiu.
The Action Plan
Greece participates as a partner in the Berlin Process, together with nine other European countries, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with the six acceding countries of the Western Balkans, supporting and leading the overall effort.
According to a statement, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is discussing with the other European countries the challenges in the labour market, and the action plan developed specifically for the accession countries was presented, including the following key parameters:
– employment policies and social dialogue, with an emphasis on active labour market policies, innovative programmes for vulnerable groups, reintegration of the long-term unemployed, as well as understanding and shaping labour market trends Last year, 7.8 million overtime hours were declared, which is 2.7 million more than in 2024.
Also, the Labour Market Needs Diagnostic Mechanism is being used, which allows for the design of much more effective policies.
In addition, occupational health and safety legislation has been reformed for the first time in three decades, with a focus on modernisation, digitisation and tightening up the framework, as well as innovative policies such as specific interventions to address climate change and psychosocial risks.
Finally, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, achieved the adoption and signing, together with the national social partners, of the National Social Agreement, which promotes Collective Labour Agreements, with significant results both in terms of wage increases and the improvement of working conditions.
These policies are shared by Greece with its European partners and the government supports the Berlin Process through the exchange of good practices.”
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