The Minister for Labour and Social Policies, Marina Calderone, spoke today at the 'Fair employment for Social Justice' plenary session. The Minister's speech outlined the pillars of the Italian government's strategy which revolves around combining work with social justice in accordance with article 1 of the Italian Constitution. Calderone highlighted the transition from the previous passive policies to more proactive training, qualification and retraining policies in line with European recommendations to support people in their efforts to find stable employment.
On the innovation front, Italy is promoting a 'human-centred' approach to artificial intelligence in line with the Cagliari 2024 G7 Action Plan. Significant initiatives mentioned by the Minister include the establishment of a National Observatory on AI, the launch of a single digital portal for access to employment services (SIISL), and a generative AI-based virtual assistant to provide guidance for educational and career choices for the public, with a special focus on vulnerable groups (AppLI).
The Minister then affirmed the positive results of the Italian labour market, with the unemployment rate at an all-time low (below the European average) and a significant rise in permanent contracts compared to fixed-term ones, partly thanks to the numerous tax measures introduced in favour of workers.
She also reaffirmed the priorities of the Italian Government. Firstly, workplace safety through enhanced controls and new measures to prevent accidents and combat undeclared work practices; support for purchasing power, with a reduction in the tax wedge and several collective bargaining incentives to combat inflation, and presentation of the bill to implement the EU Directive on pay transparency with respect to women and men. Calderone said "it is essential to work together to boost European competitiveness, starting with its productive fabric, while always protecting the dignity of the worker".
On the sidelines of the informal meeting of EPSCO Ministers in Nicosia, a bilateral meeting was also held between the Minister for Labour and Social Policies, Marina Calderone and the Minister for Social Protection of the Republic of Ireland, Dara Calleary.
The meeting focused on the EU's priorities in view of the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled for the second half of 2026 (July-December).