PSR in focus through mandate letters

Despite the removal of the portfolio dedicated to Employment and Social Affairs, the new college of European Commission mandates affords us an opportunity to further push for the necessary changes in Europe’s approach to workplace mental health and psychosocial risks.

These opportunities come primarily through the portfolio for People, Skills and Preparedness (including, according to the mission letter, skills and education, quality jobs and social rights), headed up by Roxana Mînzatu (RO, S&D). Within the mission letter sent by President von der Leyen to the Commissioner-designate, the mandate is explicitly given to “improve the approach to occupational health and safety, ensuring healthier workplaces and mental health at work”.

Placing this request within the remit of (current) MEP Mînzatu is consequential, as it guarantees that workplace mental health is not only on the agenda of the Commission, but also intrinsically linked to workplace organisation, habits and culture. This will give a clear scope for the EndStress platform to continue our work in advancing the call for a European directive, following multiple successes in the previous mandate.

As we await the outcome of the Commission’s peer review (held in June), the work of the platform continues, with discussions between MEPs, political groups and other stakeholders already underway to deliver change.