Therefore, I invite you to share with our services (EMPL-LTC@ec.europa.eu)
information on national implementation measures as soon as possible and at the
latest by 15 June 2024, following the attached guidance. I would strongly encourage
you to submit this information in a timely manner, considering also the SPC thematic
social reporting for 2024 will be dedicated to the implementation of the long-term care
Recommendation. This would elevate the political visibility of the topic, while reducing
the administrative burden. The information you share will provide the basis to take
stock and continue fostering the policy dialogue, with a view to the Commission report
to be submitted to the Council by the end of 2027.
Finally, I am pleased to inform you that the implementation of the European Care
Strategy is advancing swiftly, with most of the long-term care related actions
successfully launched and progressing well. Implementation at country level benefits
from mutual learning, technical support, and EU funding, such as the European Social
Fund+, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Recovery and Resilience
Facility. A wide array of EU-level actions to address the multi-faceted challenges in the
sector are underway, such as the set-up of a European social dialogue committee for
social services, or of a large-scale skills partnership for long-term care.
My services remain at your disposal to further assist you in addressing implementation
challenges via mutual learning, technical support, and policy expertise. For any
additional information, please reach out to EMPL-LTC@ec.europa.eu or contact
directly Dana-Carmen Bachmann (Dana-Carmen.BACHMANN@ec.europa.eu), Head
of the Social Protection Unit in DG EMPL, or Flaviana Teodosiu, Team Leader for
Long-Term Care (Flaviana.TEODOSIU@ec.europa.eu).
Yours faithfully,
Nicolas Schmit
Enclosure: Guidance for reporting on the implementation of the Council
Recommendation on access to affordable high-quality long-term care.
Electronically signed on 11/04/2024 14:37 (UTC+02) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121