The debate held by the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council showed a consensus on the need to make full use of the European Social Fund (ESF) in order to reach the EU 2020 objectives and to ensure a proper articulation of the ESF with other Structural Funds. In addition, the Council adopted conclusions on the role of voluntary work in social policy.

The European Ministers on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs debated on 3 of October on the future shape of the European Social Fund and its role in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The Council discussions concentrated, among other questions, on how the ESF could contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 objectives and headline targets in the areas of employment, educational attainment, social inclusion and poverty reduction. The debate showed a consensus on the need to streamline the ESF procedures; to make full use of the ESF in order to reach the EU 2020 objectives; to ensure a proper articulation of the ESF with other Structural Funds; to target the most vulnerable and promote inclusion for those who do not participate in the labour market. According to EU Ministers, the ESF is one of the key financial levers for putting the Europe 2020 Strategy into effect.

On the other hand, the Council adopted conclusions on the role of voluntary work in social policy and on demographic challenges through better reconciliation of work and family life. With regard the voluntary work in social policy, the conclusions stress that voluntary activity is an expression of active citizenship in all areas of social life. This becomes important bearing in mind, 2011 is the European Year of Volunteering. This activity has furthermore the potential to contribute to the well-being of individuals and to the harmonious development of European societies. It can also help the transmission of knowledge, the inter-cultural dialogue and be instrumental in bridging the generation gap. The conclusions furthermore invite the Commission and the member states to take specific actions in their respective fields of responsibility.

The conclusions on demography and reconciliation of work and family life adopted by the Council showed that tackling the various facets of  demographic challenges has therefore become a key priority. The conclusions aim in particular at strengthening institutional cooperation in this field and at facilitating information exchange between various bodies and initiatives at both European and national level. They also aim at strengthening existing methods of cooperation and knowledge-sharing on care systems for dependent persons, including childcare and long-term care, and involving the social partners in looking for the best solutions to deal with the consequences of the demographic challenges.