On Friday, 24 October, Kaia Vask, the leader of the Estonian Trade Union Confederation, and Political Secretary Jaan-Hendrik Toomel met with Roxana Mînzatu, the European Commission's Senior Vice President for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, who was on a working visit to Estonia. For the Confederation, the meeting was an important opportunity to highlight the problems of the Estonian labour market and to convey workers' views directly to the European level.

During the meeting, the Vice-President stressed that Europe's defence capabilities are not based on armaments alone. It also requires a well-managed workforce and a cohesive and strong society. The discussion focused on how to improve the quality of jobs in Estonia, support the development of workers' skills and promote labour mobility within the EU.

Kaia Vask, the leader of the Confederation, stressed at the meeting that workers' rights, lifelong learning and quality jobs must be at the heart of European social policy, especially in the light of rapid changes in the labour market and growing expectations of the workforce. Such meetings will help to strengthen cooperation with the EU institutions and ensure that workers' interests are not left behind in the process of digitalisation and economic adjustment," said Vask.

During his stay in Estonia, the Vice-President also met with members of the government and representatives of start-up companies.

Photos by Marko Mumm