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Speech by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Dear President Sandu,
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
 

When we talk about the future of work in Europe, we often think of artificial intelligence, automation, and disruption in the labour market.

And rightly so.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that sixty percent of jobs in advanced economies will be affected by AI over the next years.

And young workers will be the first to feel it.

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But for many Roma communities across Europe, including here in Moldova, the problem is not tomorrow’s labour market.

It is today’s exclusion.

And that gap tells us something important about the state of social rights in Europe today.

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Let me take one example.

In Slovakia, colleagues told us about a group of Roma young people who joined a skills programme created to fill labour shortages.

Many were excluded from education and work for years.

But once they had access to training, they progressed quickly.

Employers who could not find workers suddenly discovered capable, motivated candidates.

The lesson is clear.

Today, almost sixty percent of Roma youth are outside work or education across Europe.

Talent is not the problem.

Access is.

At a time of labour shortages across Europe, leaving that potential untapped makes no economic sense.

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To change this, we need to focus on three priorities.

First, the transition from education to work.

Too many Roma children start school at a disadvantage, and far fewer complete secondary education.

By the time the labour market opens, many doors are already closed.

Second, social rights.

Access to training, transport, childcare and fair treatment in the labour market determines who can actually take up opportunities.

Third, delivery.

We know what works: targeted training, personalised employment support, and removing structural barriers.

Now we need these solutions to reach many more people in Roma communities.

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This is what the New Democratic Pact for Europe is about.

Democratic renewal begins with people.

When we talk about the future of work in Europe, technology will shape it.

But access will decide who takes part.

Every young person, including Roma youth, should have a real chance to learn, work and contribute.

That is the opportunity ahead of us.

I look forward to our discussion.
Thank you.