From Sunday 22 September to Thursday 26 September, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Ms. Stella Kyriakides will be in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Her participation is part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen its commitment to multilateral cooperation to tackle the unprecedented conflicts and crises taking place around the world, with a particular focus on global action to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
The main aim of the Commissioners presence will be to promote the collaboration between the EU and the United Nations on a wide range of health-related issues, aiming to address global health challenges, promote public health and improve global health security, which are integral principles of the EU Global Health Strategy.
On Sunday 22 September, Commissioner Kyriakides will attend the Women Political Leaders (WPL) annual Representation Matters Reception focusing on enhancing women’s participation in policymaking.
On Tuesday 24 September, Commis
sioner Kyriakides will attend the meeting of the Food Waste Champions 12.3, promoting actions to tackle food waste worldwide. She will also speak at a General Assembly side event entitled ‘The IPC and Antimicrobial Stewardship: from policy to implementation at the point of care’, focusing on improving care for patients and prevention of antimicrobial resistant infections in hospitals.
On Wednesday 25 September, Commissioner Kyriakides will deliver a speech at a General Assembly side event on ‘Fostering Cross-Country Solidarity to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in the WHO European Region and Beyond’ and speaks at a separate side event ‘High-level Meeting on AMR and beyond: Bringing the voices and perspectives of the Low-and middle-income countries’. She will also attend the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit – The First Ladies Luncheon Roundtable focusing on breast cancer and takes part in a fireside chat at the Foreign Policy Health Forum focusing on HPV vaccination strategies.
On Thursday 26 September, Commiss
ioner Kyriakides will deliver a speech on behalf of the EU at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, which will address the looming threat AMR poses to global health, food security, and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. At the meeting, political leaders will commit to a political declaration mobilising political will and action at the national, regional and international levels to address the drivers, sources and challenges of antimicrobial resistance.
QUOTE: ‘Antimicrobial resistance knows no borders and is one of the top three health threats faced by the EU. Its threat cannot be tackled by one sector, one country or one continent in isolation. By working through the EU Global Health Strategy with our international partners, we can take ambitious and coordinated action to address AMR, protect our citizens, and strengthen our healthcare systems worldwide. This is our path to safeguarding the health of our citizens and ensuring a sustainable future’.
Commissio
n extends authorisation of Mpox vaccine to adolescents
The Commission has extended the authorisation of the Imvanex vaccine to adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Imvanex is the only Mpox vaccine currently authorised in the EU, together with an antiviral treatment (Tecovirimat SIGA). The authorisation follows a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which considered the vaccine to be effective and safe in this age group. It was first authorised in the EU in 2013 to protect adults against smallpox, with the authorisation extended in 2022 to protect adults against Mpox and vaccinia virus disease. Given the importance of the vaccine, particularly for Africa, the EMA gave high priority to assessing the extension of the authorisation of the vaccine to adolescents, and the Commission authorised the vaccine through an accelerated decision-making process. EMA is working with African regulators to advance vaccine authorisations in the African region to support the response to the outbreak in the region
.
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: ‘It is an important step forward that adolescents aged 12 to 17 can now be protected against Mpox with a safe and effective vaccine. While the overall risk of becoming infected with Mpox for the general population in the EU remains low, we are working continuously at EU level to ensure adequate preparedness. Together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), we will continue to work with Member States, the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Union, including the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other local and international partners to help control the spread of Mpox on the African continent. It is only through global cooperation that we can overcome health emergencies.’
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 296 22 53 – Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commission report shows how social investments and reforms can support competitiveness, economic
growth and inclusion
Social investments and reforms in key areas can boost employment, social inclusion, competitiveness and economic growth. This is the main finding of the Commission’s 2024 Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report.
Reforms and financial support for early childhood education and care, skills development, lifelong learning, vocational training and certain job support schemes are particularly promising. The latest ESDE report shows that investments have had a positive effect on income, employment levels, social inclusion and the fight against poverty, helping to reduce social and economic gaps across the EU.
Social investments and reforms also contributed, between 2010 and 2021, to increasing median wealth in the euro area while decreasing differences between Member States. EU countries with previously weaker economic and social performance have caught up with stronger ones, partly thanks to these investments.
Despite overall economic and social progress, however, the rep
ort also finds that significant disparities persist both within and between countries.
Key findings from the 2024 ESDE report
Increasing the supply of housing, and improving housing assistance, improves affordability, reduces poverty and can help people find better jobs. In 2022, housing allowances lowered the EU’s rate of people at risk of poverty by 1.4 percentage points. The report finds that social housing also contributes to fighting poverty and yet is critically under-supplied in many Member States. The report finds that the lack of affordable, good quality housing has several structural drivers, including low incentives, bottlenecks in planning and construction and investment gaps. In the new Commission, President von der Leyen appointed a Commissioner with direct responsibility for housing. She also announced in her Political Guidelines 2024-2029 that the Commission will put forward a first ever European Affordable Housing Plan, to look at all the drivers of the housing crisis and to help unlock the
private and public investment needed.
Social investments and reforms yield higher returns when focused on early stages of citizens’ lives. Investing in early childhood education and care helps parents, especially mothers, find and keep jobs, which reduces gender gaps in both employment and pay levels. It also reduces the risk of poverty and social exclusion. For children, social investments lead to better education and job prospects later on in their lives, which in turn boost economic growth. To meet the 2030 targets for early childhood education and care, the report finds that the EU should invest an additional pound 11 billion per year. In the next Commission, the Child Guarantee will be strengthened to prevent and fight social exclusion through education, healthcare and other essential public services. The Commission will also put forward a first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Investing in active labour market policies helps people secure and maintain jobs. For instance, some EU funded training programm
es in Greece and job creation schemes in Ireland have increased the likelihood of employment for younger workers by more than 15 percentage points and boosted earnings by pound 2,000 per year. The report also highlights that active labour market policies funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can stimulate employment, foster long-term economic growth and help regions and countries catch up economically and socially. The new Commission will put forward a Quality Jobs Roadmap, developed together with the social partners. It will support fair wages, good working conditions, training and fair job transitions for workers and self-employed people.
Public funding, particularly through the ESF+, has effectively increased employment by boosting skills development. This support helps keep more people in employment for at least 20 years after the initial investment, thereby more than offsetting the initial costs and increasing GDP. With more than pound 65 billion in EU funding dedicated to skills programmes, no
tably through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the ESF+, these EU initiatives are playing a crucial role in ensuring the transition towards a green and digital economy is fair. They support green sectors, facilitate job transitions, and help low and middle-income groups afford energy-efficient solutions in housing, transport and food. The new Commission will put forward a Union of Skills, focusing on investment, adult and lifelong learning, skill retention and the recognition of different types of training to enable people to work across our Union.
Background
The annual Employment and Social Developments in Europe review is the Commission’s flagship analytical report on employment and social affairs. It provides up-to-date economic analysis and related policy recommendations.
A recent survey shows strong public support among Europeans for social investment. When asked where the EU should focus to prepare the future, respondents highlighted health care, education, training and lifelong learning, and
employment support. In addition, 78% of Europeans believe public spending on key social policies should increase.
The EU promotes social convergence through cohesion policies and funding, including the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Over the past year, the EU has intensified efforts to help regions and Member States reduce social disparities. For the first time, the 2024 European Semester included a dedicated Social Convergence Framework. The reformed Economic Governance Framework also highlights the importance of returns on social investments.
Other key EU policies and measures supporting social investments and social convergence include investment in adult learning and skills development and training programmes, the Youth Employment Support package with the reinforced Youth Guarantee, the European Child Guarantee, the proposed package to improve the quality of traineeships, the proposed action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages, the European Care Strateg
y, the Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion, and the directive on adequate minimum wages. For affordable housing, the New European Bauhaus, the Affordable Housing Initiative, and the European Platform on combating homelessness are vital.
More information
Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2024 (ESDE)
Employment and Social Analysis
Previous ESDE reports
Follow Nicolas Schmit on Twitter
Subscribe to the Commission’s newsletter on employment, social affairs and inclusion.
Quote(s)
The 2024 ESDE report shows that social investments and reforms are crucial not only for reducing inequalities and improving people’s quality of life, but also for Europe’s growth and competitiveness. The ESDE’s findings strengthen our commitment to fully implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and meet the 2030 EU headline targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction. The EU has a strong track record in strengthening social Europe, and we must build on these foundat
ions to achieve even greater social convergence for the good of our society and economy.
Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
EU mobilises assistance for Czechia and Poland flood relief
Following severe flooding across Central and Eastern Europe, the EU has mobilised assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism at the request of Czechia and Poland.
In Czechia, several EU member states have stepped in to provide crucial support. Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia and Germany have sent hundreds of dehumidifiers, essential for drying water-damaged buildings and aiding recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Poland’s request for water treatment items has been met by Sweden, which will supply hundreds of bottles of chloramine via the Mechanism.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, stated: “I thank the Member States for their swift response. This collective effort highlights the EU’s unwavering commitment to solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis, ensuring relief for those whose l
ives have been impacted by these devastating floods.”
Additionally, the Copernicus Emergency Management Service is providing satellite imagery to support emergency operations in the affected countries. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) continues to closely monitor the situation, ready to provide further assistance as needed.
Furthermore, President von der Leyen yesterday announced that pound 10 billion could be mobilised from the cohesion funds for the countries that are affected by the severe floods.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)
Commission proposes up to pound 35 billion MFA loan for Ukraine as the EU’s contribution to the EU-G7 support of up to pound 45 billion
The European Commission today took a decisive step in reinforcing support for Ukraine by proposing a comprehensive financial assistance package, consisting of a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism of up to pound 45 billion, and an exceptional Macro-Financi
al Assistance (MFA) loan of up to pound 35 billion.
This package leverages extraordinary profits from immobilised Russian assets, sending a clear signal that the burden of rebuilding Ukraine will be shouldered by those responsible for its destruction. This approach will be applied for the first time in a structured way and at such a scale across EU and G7 lenders, ensuring long-term, stable financial support for Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.
Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism
The Commission first proposes to establish a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism which will support the EU and G7 partners in issuing loans of up to pound 45 billion to Ukraine. As Ukraine continues to face unprecedented challenges due to Russia’s intensified aggression, this proposal underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic resilience.
The Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism will offer to Ukraine support financed by leveraging the financial contribution raised on extraordinary windfall prof
its that stem from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets.
Ukraine can use this support to repay eligible loans from the EU and other lenders participating in the G7’s ‘Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine’ (ERA) initiative.
Exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance
As the EU’s contribution to these loans under the ERA initiative, the Commission is proposing an exceptional MFA loan of up to pound 35 billion. This financial support is crucial for addressing Ukraine’s urgent budgetary needs, which have considerably risen in the face of the intensified and prolonged Russian aggression, including under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility arrangement. The remaining loan amount covered is to be provided by other G7 partners.
This comprehensive financial package fulfils the commitments made during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia on 15 June and during the European Council of 27 June.
Through this package, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to standing by Ukraine in times of need, ensuri
ng that the EU’s support remains steadfast and effective.
Next steps
The proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and a qualified majority of EU Member States in the Council before entering into force.
In view of the urgency of the proposal, the Commission will be working hand in hand with co-legislators to ensure a swift adoption.
Background
Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU, together with its Member States, has unequivocally condemned Russia’s actions and has offered unprecedented support to Ukraine and its people. The EU, its Member States and European Financial Institutions have together provided pound 118.3 billion in grants and loans, supporting the Ukrainian war effort and its economy, helping to maintain basic services and offer early reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and help to those fleeing the war in the EU.
As part of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia, assets of the Central Bank of Russia held by financial institutions in th
e Member States and worth approximately pound 210 billion have been immobilised since February 2022. They represent the majority of such immobilised assets worldwide.
The prohibition of transactions on these assets generates an extraordinary cash accumulation on the balance sheets of central securities depositories (CSDs) bringing a return. On a yearly basis and depending on the level of interest rates, the extraordinary revenues are currently estimated at up to pound 2.5-3 billion a year. These unexpected and extraordinary revenues do not constitute sovereign assets, and do not have to be made available to the Central Bank of Russia, even after the immobilisation ends.
On 12 February 2024, the EU clarified the rules on how the immobilised assets and reserves should be managed and decided that CSDs holding reserves and assets from the Central Bank of Russia worth more than pound 1 million should set these revenues apart. Since 15 February 2024, the CSDs are not allowed to dispose of the related net profits
or distribute them to shareholders.
In May 2024, the Council decided to use these extraordinary revenues for the benefit of Ukraine. At the end of July, pound 1.5 billion were already made available in support of Ukraine.
For more information
Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine
Macro-Financial Assistance
Quote(s)
Relentless Russian attacks means Ukraine needs continued EU support. The Commission will provide a loan of up to pound 35 billion to Ukraine as part of the G7 pledge. This is another major EU contribution to the Ukraine’s recovery.
President Ursula von der Leyen
This unique loan package, developed alongside our G7 partners and with a strong role for the EU, will allow Ukraine to cover its immediate needs, ensure macroeconomic stability, and provide the country with the financial resources needed to withstand Russia’s intensified aggression. By using extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian assets, the Kremlin will pay directly for the damage caused by its brutal war. Today’s
package further demonstrates the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic resilience.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People
Today’s proposal marks a pivotal moment in our continued support for Ukraine. We are delivering on the agreement by G7 Leaders on a USD 50 billion loan to Ukraine to be paid back using the extraordinary windfall profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets. It will ensure that Ukraine has the financial resources it needs to face the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s unrelenting aggression. This package not only strengthens Ukraine’s economic resilience but also reaffirms the EU’s firm commitment to stand by Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and democracy.
Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy
EU at UN General Assembly to boost international cooperation on key global challenges
A high-level delegation of the European Commission will attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assemb
ly (UNGA) next week in New York. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioners Stella Kyriakides, Didier Reynders, Ylva Johansson, Janez Lenarcic, Jutta Urpilainen, Kadri Simson and Wopke Hoekstra will host or participate in events and meetings with leaders and counterparts from around the world.
The EU and its Member States are coming to the 79th UNGA session determined to promote multilateral solutions based on the UN Charter and to make them work for the good of all. This year marks a pivotal reflection point for the UN. The headline event, the ‘Summit of the Future,’ which has been under preparation for four years, represents a key opportunity to collectively reflect on how the UN should be fit for purpose and fit for the future.
You can find information on the agendas and EU priorities in the press release online.
(For more information: Eric Mamer – Tel.
: +32 2 299 40 73; Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 53; Xavier Cifre Quatresols – Tel.: +32 2 297 35 82)
CALENDAR
Tuesday 24/09
President Ursula von der Leyen attends the 79th United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, together with Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioners Stella Kyriakides, Didier Reynders, Ylva Johansson, Janez Lenarcic, Jutta Urpilainen, Kadri Simson and Wopke Hoekstra. They will host and participate in events and meetings with leaders from around the world, and have a number of high-level bilateral meetings in New York throughout the week.
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Madrid, Spain (until 25/09): participates in a panel session ‘The future of the EU: feasibility of enlargement’ organised by the Asociación de Periodistas Europeos.
Ms Stella Kyriakides in New York, US: attends the Food Waste Champions 12.3 and World Resources Institute (WRI) Public Event; delivers a speech at
the UN General Assembly side event ‘The IPC and Antimicrobial Stewardship: from policy to implementation at the point of care’; delivers pre-recorded remarks at the SIOPE Policy Event ‘Why Childhood Cancer should stay high on the EU agenda for 2024-2029?’.
Wednesday 25/09
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Madrid, Spain: visits the International Centre Sports Mental Coaching; delivers introductory remarks at the conference ‘The European Union necessary condition’ organised by Fundación Carlos de Amberes.
Ms Stella Kyriakides in New York, US: delivers a speech at the UN General Assembly side event ‘Fostering Cross-Country Solidarity to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in the WHO European Region and Beyond’; delivers a speech at the side event ‘High-level Meeting on AMR and beyond: Bringing the voices and perspectives of the Low-and middle-income countries’; attends the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit – the First Ladies Luncheon Roundtable on breast cancer; participates in the Foreign Policy’s Health Forum ‘The Power of
Prevention: Universal HPV Vaccination Strategies’.
Thursday 26/09
Ms Stella Kyriakides in New York, US: delivers a speech on behalf of the EU at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance.
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Source: Cyprus News Agency