implementing the principles and rights set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights, notably through the European Semester of Policy Coordination and in the Member States' 2018 National Reform Programmes; facilitating a well-functioning social dialogue at all levels, including the ‘new start for social dialogue' at EU level; progressing swiftly on pending social files at EU level, including on Posting of Workers, Social Security Coordination, Work–Life Balance and the European Accessibility Act, as well as being ready to swiftly examine the future initiatives announced by the Commission in its Work Programme for 2018; following up ...[+++]on the priorities of the EU Action Plan 2018–2019 to tackle the gender pay gap; and delivering further on the New Skills Agenda, with a particular focus in 2018 on implementing the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, intended for people with the biggest skills needs.

The Juncker Plan (the Investment Plan for Europe) and the Capital Markets Union help to mobilise resources to boost economic recovery; EU support for innovation helps industry and in particular SMEs play to their strengths; Europe is at the forefront of the global push for a low-carbon and circular economy through its circular economy, clean energy and low carbon economy initiatives; key enabling technologies help industry compete globally; the Digital Single Market Strategy, the accompanying Digitisation of Industry Strategy and the Action Plan on 5G for Europe help businesses take advantage of new developments and create a properly ...[+++] functioning data economy; the Single Market Strategy makes it possible for industry to access a market of 500 million consumers and to connect in value chains free from customs or technical barriers; and the New Skills Agenda for Europe helps equip the people behind our industry with better skills.

whereas women aged 55 and over are at a particular risk of unemployment and labour market inactivity, with the average EU employment rate for women aged 55-64 being only 42 %, compared with 58 % for men; whereas a low level of IT literacy and e-skills further amplifies this risk; whereas improving and investing in digital competences of women aged 55 and over would boost their employment opportunities and offer a level of protection against exclusion from the labour market.

Recent falls in business confidence indicate a slower growth rate in the second half of the year, but industrial confidence is still above its long-term average.

We're more than aware of the fact that the average second language proficiency of francophones in Quebec far exceeds the average second language proficiency of anglophones in British Columbia, for example.

It gives preference to those immigrants who tend to be a drain upon our social services and will lower the average skill level of our work force.