Spain Advocates for Shared European Solutions to Labor Shortages at EPSCO Meeting
Spain urges coordinated European action to address labor shortages, emphasizing structural challenges and regional policy collaboration.
- • Catalina Cabrer represented Spain's autonomous communities at the EPSCO meeting in Brussels.
- • She supported the European plan to address labor shortages and highlighted structural factors like demographic aging and digital transformation.
- • Cabrer stressed the importance of coordination and adaptability in employment policies linked to the Balearic Islands' Quality Employment Plan.
- • Spain's autonomous communities reaffirmed their commitment to a unified action plan for attracting and retaining talent, promoting quality and inclusive employment.
Key details
On December 2, 2025, Catalina Cabrer, Spain's Minister of Labor, Public Function, and Social Dialogue, represented the autonomous communities of Spain at the European Employment and Social Policy Council (EPSCO) in Brussels. Cabrer voiced strong support for the European Union's plan to tackle labor shortages, underscoring the critical role that Spain's regions play in executing employment policies.
Cabrer highlighted several structural factors contributing to Spain's labor market challenges, including demographic aging, the ongoing digital transformation, sustainable economic transitions, and persistent vacancies in essential sectors. She emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination among governmental levels and adaptable employment strategies, linking these priorities with the Quality Employment Plan of the Balearic Islands (POQUIB).
A key focus was placed on the need for effective multilevel governance, active participation of regional observatories, and close collaboration between employment services and training programs to build a more robust labor market. Cabrer reaffirmed the commitment of Spain's autonomous communities to adopt a unified action plan centered on attracting, training, and retaining talent to ensure quality employment opportunities, equality, and sustainability. She stated, "We reaffirm our commitment to an action plan aimed at attracting, training, and retaining talent, ensuring quality employment, equal opportunities, and a more inclusive and sustainable labor market."
This appeal for shared solutions at the European level reflects Spain's proactive approach to addressing labor shortages through integrated policy responses and regional engagement, aligning with broader European employment goals.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
