This Week in Social Affairs — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission adopts Fair Labour Mobility package; Digitalisation of social security and qualifications proposed; New Recommendation on housing affordability published.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission adopts Fair Labour Mobility package; Digitalisation of social security and qualifications proposed; New Recommendation on housing affordability published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission launches Fair Labour Mobility Package to digitalise and simplify labour mobility
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility Package, comprising six legislative proposals aimed at digitalising and simplifying cross-border labour mobility within the EU. Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu presented the package, which includes the ESSPASS Regulation for digital social security documents, the Skills Portability Act, a Regulation strengthening the European Labour Authority (ELA), as well as revisions to directives on professional and third-country national qualifications. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the initiative as a step toward a 'genuine skills market' across the Single Market. The package seeks to allow workers to access and prove their social security rights and qualifications digitally, improve enforcement against abuses, and reduce administrative burdens for companies. ELA's mandate would be expanded for better cross-border inspections and mediation, and qualifications—including those obtained outside the EU—will be recognised more efficiently. The first practical benefits are expected after the legislative process concludes in Parliament and Council.
ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu
Commission adopts EU KIDS Act to protect children online
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act, introducing Union-wide rules to restrict social media access for children and enhance online safety. The proposal sets a minimum age of 15 for autonomous accounts, mandates parental controls for younger users, and prohibits access for children under 13, except via guardian-managed accounts. The Act introduces obligations for online services to ensure safety by design, bans addictive features and profiling-based recommendation feeds for minors, and requires privacy-preserving age assurance tools. Enforcement leverages existing structures under the Digital Services Act and Artificial Intelligence Act, with new expedited compliance procedures for providers. The legislative proposal now moves to the European Parliament and Council for examination.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 on housing affordability and supply
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 of 9 September 2026 addresses housing affordability and supply in areas under housing stress. The Recommendation provides guidance for Member States to implement place-based responses focused on increasing the supply of affordable and social housing, streamlining permitting and procurement, and promoting modern construction methods. It also encourages the mobilisation of public and private investment and better use of existing building stock, with attention to both disadvantaged and middle-income households. The text complements the proposed Affordable Housing Act and Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 on the EU-Armenia Partnership Strategic Agenda
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 of 20 November 2025 establishes the EU position within the EU-Armenia Partnership Council for the adoption of a Strategic Agenda. The Agenda sets priorities for cooperation, including economic development and regulatory alignment, over short- and medium-term periods. The Decision is based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and will guide programming of Union assistance.
EU Council
Eurogroup and ECOFIN ministers discuss economic prospects
On 18 September 2026, the Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) convened informally. Ministers discussed recent economic developments, euro area productivity, and growth in the current geopolitical and economic context.
www.consilium.europa.eu | www.consilium.europa.eu
