European Semester: new momentum for care — and a new Eurocarers’ Policy Briefing
Care has recently become a key component of EU monitoring of national policy developments.
This month, Council’s Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee have jointly adopted the 2026 Joint Employment Report (JER), a key document monitoring the employment and social situation across the Union and tracking progress on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Crucially, the report recommends the thorough implementation of the European Care Strategy. It emphasized carers’ leave and flexible working arrangements as essential tools to foster equal opportunities and support career progression in the labour market. At the same time, it highlights the need to address workforce shortages in the care sector and to strengthen investment in long-term care (LTC) services.
Usefully, the JER provides a comprehensive overview of Member States’ recent labour market and social policy measures, and identifies priority areas for further action
The JER forms part of the guidance provided by the European institutions within the framework of the European Semester. In this context, Eurocarers has published a new Policy Briefing entitled Using the EU Semester to strengthen informal carers’ advocacy in your country.
The briefing explores:
- How the European Semester has evolved into a key follow-up and monitoring mechanism for the European Care Strategy;
- How the Strategy’s objectives are reflected in the Semester documents at national level;
- Practical pointers to help you leverage the Semester process in your advocacy work.
For organisations working to advance carers’ rights and recognition, the Semester is no longer a distant governance cycle — it is an entry point. This new briefing aims to make that opportunity tangible.
The Policy Briefing is available here:
Using the EU Semester to strenghten informal carers’ advocacy in your country
