Europe today faces challenges that are decisive for the future of all of us.

Transformations in the economy, labour markets and social dynamics make it imperative that we are able to act with a strategic, integrated and forward-looking vision in the field of employment and social affairs.

In the past, we have always known how to turn change into an opportunity for reform and progress. And we have always known how to turn our differences into an asset to build solid common ground, made up of the best that different experiences offer and of the bridges that can be built between them.

Fortunately, Europe is now larger than it was. Our diversity is greater, as are the challenges we hold in our hands. We now make bigger strides into the future. Responsibility rests on all our shoulders.

Portugal is taking on the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union with a powerful motivation: to contribute actively to a shared future – shared by all Europeans, by all countries, by all stakeholders and institutions.

This is why we want to work for all. We wish to help build a Europe capable of raising its qualification and innovation capacity, of generating economic growth and employment, of sustaining active and adequate social policies. This way we will succeed in providing access to opportunities to all individuals and reaching acceptable levels of well-being.

These are the ultimate aims for which we will try to contribute. We will play our part, and we count on your willingness to actively share our drive and determination: working for all.

Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity

José António Vieira da Silva