The Council held a discussion based on the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) in which ministers pointed out that fiscal consolidation efforts should be accompanied by enhanced employment and social policies. In addition, the great majority of ministers expressed concerns about the sharp rise of youth unemployment and therefore, tackling youth unemployment is a top priority.

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting held on 17 February ended with an agreement in tackling youth unemployment. In that context, ministers referred to the 'youth guarantee scheme' to secure the right of every young person to be offered a job, an apprenticeship or training after a certain period of unemployment. MEPs proposed to introduce such scheme during the plenary session held in February.

The Danish Presidency summarised the debate stating that the reforms needed in the different Member States should be socially balanced, that social partners have to be involved in all efforts and that the exclusion, marginalisation and poverty items will be underlined in future policies. Regarding employment, the Council adopted the joint employment report (JER) which suggests that, while the 2011 priorities and measures remain broadly valid and further implementation of reform is essential, it is necessary to deploy additional efforts, in conjunction with national social partners, under certain priority areas.

On the other hand, the Council held a policy debate on the question of gender balance on company boards. The aim was to explore the different ways of approaching this challenging and politically sensitive issue. Certain ministers advocated the use of binding quotas, while many others were in favour of a voluntary approach, at least at this stage.