CARE4CARE Policy Seminar: Presenting Comprehensive Recommendations to Transform the Care Sector

On the 14^th of January, the CARE4CARE consortium hosted its Policy Seminar at the Tuscany Region EU Liaison Office in Brussels, where the spotlight was on the presentation of the CARE4CARE Policy Paper. This seminal document outlines actionable recommendations to improve working conditions and address systemic challenges faced by care workers across Europe.

Authored by Prof. Eva Kocher from Europa-Universität Viadrina, the Policy Paper builds on two years of interdisciplinary research conducted by the CARE4CARE consortium, which examined legal frameworks, employment conditions, and the impact of gender and migration in care sectors across six EU Member States. The recommendations target both national and EU-level policymakers, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to ensure equity, dignity, and sustainability in the care sector.

Key Proposals Highlighted in the Policy Paper:

• Better Job Quality: Introducing structured career pathways, wage increases, and collective representation to address the undervaluation of care work.
• Health and Safety: Tackling risks such as long working hours, high workloads, and workplace violence through enhanced regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
• Live-In Work: Improving conditions for live-in care workers, often among the most vulnerable, by addressing employment status, working time, and social protections.
• Migration: Establishing fair pathways for migrant care workers, with a focus on legal protections and combating discrimination.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Promoting social dialogue, collective bargaining, and governance structures to unify efforts across stakeholders.

The seminar featured high-level speakers, including representatives from DG EMPL, trade unions, and think tanks, who provided critical feedback and contextual insights on the recommendations. In her presentation, Prof. Kocher stressed: “The quality of care services is directly linked to the working conditions of care workers. Addressing their challenges is not just an ethical imperative—it is a necessity for the sustainability of care systems across Europe.”

Looking Ahead
The feedback from the seminar will be integrated into the final version of the Policy Paper, which is set for publication in March 2025. The final document aims to influence EU policy discussions, including the implementation of the European Care Strategy, and serve as a roadmap for Member States to address the care sector’s most pressing challenges.