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Main results of the Council:
Employment and Social Policy:
The Council held a policy debate on the European Semester 2013 in the field of employment and social policy.
It discussed youth employment in preparation for the forthcoming European Council's debate on this important issue.
The Council agreed on a general approach on the European globalisation adjustment fund regulation, which allows for the start of negotiations with the European Parliament. It also reached a general approach on supplementary pension rights directive.
It took note of progress reports on the posting of workers directive and on a regulation on a fund for European aid to the most deprived.
Ministers took stock of progress reports on a directive improving the gender balance among nonexecutive directors of companies listed on stock exchange, and on a directive on equal treatment.
The Council adopted conclusions on :"Towards social investment for growth and cohesion", and "Women and the media: Advancing their roles as decision-makers".
It adopted without discussion:
- new rules on capital requirements for banks and investment firms. The proposals amend and replace existing capital requirement directives by two new legislative instruments: a regulation establishing prudential requirements that institutions need to respect, and a directive governing access to deposit-taking activities, and
- a directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields
- new transparency rules for the extractive industry and simplification of accounting requirements for companies.
Health and Consumer Affairs:
The Council agreed a general approach on a revised draft EU tobacco directive, aimed at making tobacco products less attractive by strengthening rules on how tobacco products can be manufactured, presented and sold.
It also took note of presidency progress reports on a draft regulation concerning clinical trials of medicines and on two draft regulations concerning medical devices.
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