[PIO] The Minister of Labour met with the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, in the framework of the conference in

Skills and migration in line with labour market needs

The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mr. Yannis Panayiotou, in the framework of the European Competition "EuroSkills 2023", participated in the conference entitled "Skills are the future: for a new education and training, for the next generation, for the new economy, for a better life", held in Gdansk, Poland on 7 September, while he met with the members of the Cypriot delegation and visited the competition venues.

In the framework of the conference, the Minister held a bilateral meeting with the European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, Mr Nicolas Schmit. During the meeting, they discussed the promotion of better regulation of labour relations at national and Community level and the challenges facing the European labour market in view of the green and digital transition. Panagiotou in his statements after the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need for a proper distinction between illegal migration and legal economic migration, which is essential for Europe, and the importance of making full use of the capacities of Member States, accession countries and third countries through bilateral agreements for which Cyprus is launching relevant actions, taking advantage of the good practices of other countries and the experience of the European Commission.

Finally, the Commissioner discussed with the European Commissioner the need for a proper distinction between illegal migration and legal economic migration, which is essential for Europe, and the importance of making full use of the capacities of Member States, accession countries and third countries through bilateral agreements for which Cyprus is launching relevant actions, taking advantage of the good practices of other countries and the experience of the European Commission.