Vigenin: The fight for decent work is an inseparable part of the idea of a strong and united Europe

“As a member of the European Parliament I believe that the fight for decent work and the protection of social rights is an inseparable part of the idea of a strong and united Europe, which puts people and their dignity at the centre of its policies.” This was said by Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin at a conference on the joint efforts of European countries to prevent labour exploitation and to protect workers rights.

The event, opened by Minister Borislav Gutsanov, was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in partnership with the European Labour Authority (ELA) and the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. Representatives of the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the International Labour Organization took part, along with partner structures from Germany, the Netherlands and Moldova.

The challenges related to trafficking in human beings, undeclared work and labour exploitation were discussed, as well as the need for closer cross-border cooperation to overcome them. The emphasis was put on the joint actions that can ensure a fairer and safer labour market across the whole European Union. “This is the goal I set myself at European level too. The newest European legislation, which is due to enter into force from next year, is the revised Directive on combating trafficking in human beings and the Regulation banning products made with forced labour. We expect the European Commission to present a comprehensive Fair Labour Mobility Package in the spring,” Vigenin commented.

During the forum the MEP talked with Cosmin Boiangiu, executive director of the European Labour Authority. The EP rapporteur on the legislative framework for the creation of this new EU body in 2019 was Bulgarian MEP Georgi Pirinski.