The “Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs” Council (EPSCO) usually gathers four times a year the Ministers responsible for employment, social protection, health, consumer protection and equal opportunities. Sometimes the Presidencies organize informal ministerial meetings in these areas and one of these meetings to discuss employment and social issues was planned in Guimarães on 5 to 7 July. Click here to know more about this meeting.

The European Community’s mission is to raise the standard of living of its citizens, especially through high-quality employment as well as a high level of social protection, health and consumer protection, ensuring at the same time equal opportunities for all its citizens.

The Council approves European rules to harmonize or coordinate national legislation in issues such as working conditions (health and safety of workers, social security, and employee participation in the running of businesses) and reinforcement of national policies that promote health, prevent illness and combat major calamities in the area of health and protection of consumers’ rights.

Since policies on employment and social protection are still under the responsibility of Member States, the contribution of the Community is confined to a definition of common objectives, the analysis of measures taken on a national level and the adoption of recommendations addressed to Member States.

Within the Council, Member States may exchange ideas, information or share the results of the respective national experiences, especially during the Committees for Employment and Social Protection.

To know more on the configuration of the Council:

- History, formation and powers of the EPSCO Council
- Priorities of the Portuguese Presidency for Employment and Social Affairs
- Priorities of the Portuguese Presidency in the area of Health
- Trio Programme of German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies in the area of Health
- Objectives of the Portuguese Presidency of the EU in the implementation of policies that promote Gender Equality