📋 Tender Overview
As Minister responsible for social affairs Rauch informed MEPs among other things about an ongoing pilot project on the European Social Security Card ESSPASS which however is still in its early stages.The first concrete experiences are expected for this year then it could also be decided to what extent the currently tested digital solution is also suitable for applications such as a European Health Insurance Card. Austria supports efforts to develop a digital wallet for the fast and secure proof of social security claims the report stresses but considers compliance with data protection regulations to be essential.Based on the current EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities the EU Commission presented an employment package in September 2022 the aim of which is to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities. In addition an EU Disability Card is planned.This European disability card aims to make it easier for people with disabilities across Europe to receive appropriate support when travelling to another EU country. People with disabilities could also benefit from a legislative proposal to strengthen equality bodies the report notes.Furthermore in the social field an improvement of the framework conditions for the social economy and the presentation of an expert report on strengthening the social protection systems in the EU countries are planned. A high-level conference will focus on Ensuring an autonomous life of older people. A conference on social inclusion and access to adequate housing is also planned.In addition Sweden the current country holding the Presidency wants to revive the negotiations on the Anti-Discrimination Directive which has been under negotiation since 2008. The so-called European Semester also assesses EU countries progress in implementing the principles of the EU Social Pillar such as headline targets in the areas of employment skills and poverty reduction.
