On 3 February 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, participed in the European Employment and Social Rights Forum, in Brussels, Belgium.

On this occasion, Roxana Mînzatu gave the welcome remarks, while Ursula von der Leyen delivered the opening speech, in which she underlined the importance of partnership to support Europe's social model, stressing that economic progress should serve the people.

The European Employment and Social Rights Forum is organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. It is the EU’s annual flagship event on employment, social protection and social rights policies. The 2026 Forum looked at how we can secure quality jobs, fair opportunities and effective social protection while adapting to technological advancements, economic pressures and a highly uncertain geopolitical environment.