CANADA's latest news

Prime Minister welcomes appointment of new Parliamentary Budget Officer

June 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Yves Giroux as the new Parliamentary Budget Officer. This appointment is effective September 3, 2018.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer provides independent, non-partisan analysis on the state of Canada’s finances, the Government’s estimates and trends in the economy; raises the quality of parliamentary debate; and promotes greater budget transparency and accountability. The Parliamentary Budget Officer also responds to requests from political parties or independent members of the House of Commons to estimate the financial cost of any election campaign proposal that the party or member is considering making.

Mr. Giroux was chosen as the nominee for this position through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.

Biographical Notes

• Yves Giroux

Associated Link

• Prime Minister nominates new Parliamentary Budget Officer

Statement by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:

“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the unique heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and the tremendous contributions they make to this country.

“As we celebrate Indigenous cultures and communities, we also acknowledge the oppression and discrimination Indigenous peoples have experienced for centuries. Canada cannot move forward if Indigenous peoples continue to be held back. Our government is working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to advance meaningful reconciliation and build a future where Indigenous peoples succeed and prosper.

“That is why, earlier this year, our government announced that we will develop, in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework. For too long, Indigenous peoples have had to prove their rights exist and fight to have them fully recognized and implemented. This framework will ensure that the recognition and implementation of rights is the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government going forward.

“This year, our government made significant new investments to improve the quality of life, increase access to services, and enhance the well-being of Indigenous communities. Budget 2018 includes new additional funding to accelerate the elimination of all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021, support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy and the elimination of tuberculosis in Inuit communities, and advance the safety and well-being of Indigenous children and families.

“This spring, I delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs. Last year, we also offered a long overdue apology to students of the five residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador for the painful and tragic legacy of these schools that will be felt for generations to come.

“We are making real progress together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to advance reconciliation. Working together in a spirit of respect, recognition of rights, collaboration, and partnership, we will continue to advance Indigenous self-determination – including the inherent right of self-government – and move towards a Canada where Indigenous peoples thrive and have full control over their lives and their future. Together, we can shape a more just, more equal, and more inclusive Canada – for Indigenous peoples and for all of us.”

Prime Minister welcomes appointment of new Parliamentary Librarian

June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Heather Lank as the new Parliamentary Librarian. This appointment is effective June 21, 2018.

Established in 1876, the Library of Parliament is a fully functioning library whose collection and services support the activities and decisions of Parliament and parliamentarians. The Library also offers a variety of public programs and activities. The Parliamentary Librarian is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Parliament of Canada Act.

Dr. Lank was chosen as the nominee for the position of Parliamentary Librarian through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.

Biographical Notes

• Heather Lank

Associated Link

• Prime Minister nominates new Parliamentary Librarian

Prime Minister announces the appointment of a Senator

June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Julie Miville-Dechêne as an independent Senator to fill a vacancy in Quebec.

Ms. Miville-Dechêne was a journalist, a senior public servant, and is a strong voice for gender equality and women’s rights. She was also the first woman appointed as the ombudsman for Radio-Canada.

Ms. Miville-Dechêne was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

Quote

“I am pleased to welcome Julie Miville-Dechêne as Parliament’s newest independent Senator. Her experience as a journalist and a senior public servant will greatly benefit Parliament and all of Canada, and I look forward to working with her.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• There have been 38 appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Since 2016, the selection process for Senators has been opened to allow all Canadians to apply. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides the Prime Minister with recommendations. From the recommended pool of candidates, the Prime Minister selects the individuals he then recommends to the Governor General for appointment to the Senate.
• The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
• Once appointed by the Governor General and summoned to the Senate, the new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests –important functions in a modern democracy.

Biographical Notes

• Julie Miville-Dechêne

Associated Links

• Frequently Asked Questions – Senate appointments process
• Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments

Statement by the Prime Minister on World Refugee Day

June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Refugee Day:

“On World Refugee Day, we join the global community to recognize people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. We honour the resilience and strength of refugees and displaced people, acknowledge the profound hardships they face, and stand with them.

“Each year, thousands are forced to flee conflict, insecurity, and persecution – and today, over 68 million people around the world are forcibly displaced. But these statistics do not capture the faces and stories behind the numbers.

“People who have been driven from their homes face immense loss, barriers, and trauma – both old and new. They carry with them memories, dreams, and hope for a better future. We share a moral responsibility to help them find shelter and start their lives anew – and as Canadians, we know first-hand the contributions they make. Over the generations, refugees have helped build the strong, open, and prosperous Canada we know today.

“Canada will not stand idle while hundreds of thousands of people – including Rohingya refugees – suffer forced displacement and human rights violations. In response to the work of the Honourable Bob Rae, Special Envoy to Myanmar, we will lead on initiatives to promote human rights and improve living conditions of Rohingya refugees and those displaced by the conflict in Myanmar. We will also support efforts to bring perpetrators of gross human rights violations to account. Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has dedicated $300 million over the next three years to step up its response to this ongoing humanitarian crisis, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the needs of women and girls are met.

“Women, girls, and other marginalized groups suffer different and disproportionate effects of conflict and displacement – and their empowerment is key to building lasting peace and prosperity. That is why, at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix earlier this month, Canada and partners announced a historic investment of nearly $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations – the largest of its kind ever made. This is about making a real difference in the lives of millions of women and girls, including those growing up in refugee camps. They deserve the chance to learn and get the education they need to reclaim their future and their dreams.

“Today, I ask Canadians and people around the world to stand with refugees, displaced people, and all those who are forced to leave home behind. How we treat the most vulnerable among us defines who we are – as individuals, as countries, and as a global community. Let’s choose justice over fear and compassion over division – because to see ourselves in each other, all we have to do is look.”

Prime Minister and Pacific North and Central Coast First Nations welcome agreement for ocean protection

June 21, 2018
Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Canada has some of the most spectacular oceans and coastlines in the world, and is home to rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Indigenous coastal communities have stewarded the Pacific North and Central Coast waters for generations. They bring valuable experience and expertise to protect and manage this unique ocean region.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, with First Nations leaders, welcomed today a new agreement between the Government of Canada and 14 Central and North Coast First Nations to work together to protect the Pacific North Coast.

The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection represents an important commitment by the Government of Canada and First Nations to collaborate and partner on marine initiatives that will help advance reconciliation and protect a large geographic area spanning about two-thirds of British Columbia’s coast.

The Government of Canada and First Nations have agreed to coordinate ongoing efforts in the management and conservation of oceans, including marine spatial planning and developing a network of marine protected areas. They have also reiterated their commitment to work together to improve waterway management, increase emergency preparedness, and boost the response capacity of local First Nations. Many of these initiatives are already underway as part of Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.

Quotes

“The First Nations of the Pacific North and Central Coast have been protecting Canada’s waters for millennia. The Reconciliation Framework Agreement will help us deliver on the promise of ocean collaborative management. Working together, we will protect and preserve the Pacific North Coast, and we will advance reconciliation along the way.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“This agreement is an encouraging and positive step forward in our journey toward nation-to-nation collaboration and reconciliation. Now we have the opportunity to work with Canada to ensure efficient and sustainable marine management and protection initiatives, which promise to preserve healthy and resilient marine ecosystems for all future generations, while supporting coastal communities and economic opportunities today.”
—Chief Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk First Nation and President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative

“The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection represents a transformative new relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. We are thrilled to have achieved consensus on a new governance model for managing and protecting our oceans. This is a significant achievement and demonstrates the innovative work being done in partnership with Indigenous peoples to protect Canada’s coasts.”
—The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

“Keeping our oceans safe and clean, and healthy for future generations is a commitment shared by the Government of Canada and First Nations partners. The governance model established to improve the collaborative management of our oceans is an important step toward delivering on the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan. Working together, we will continue to build on our successes in the areas of marine spatial planning, conservation, and marine safety.”
—The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“We are working to fundamentally transform our relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Indigenous voices must be included in the conversations on what Canada’s future will look like, including the management and protection of our oceans. This agreement demonstrates a strong example of working together to advance reconciliation. Making this shift is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of Canada.”
—The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

“Indigenous traditional knowledge plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term protection and preservation of healthy oceans and our environment as a whole. This agreement represents an important step as we work towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples and a new model for effective collaboration based on the recognition of rights, respect and cooperation.”
—The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada

Quick Facts

• The Agreement will help protect Canada’s Northern Shelf bioregion, which includes four sub regions: Haida Gwaii, the North Coast, the Central Coast, and North Vancouver Island.
• Marine Spatial Planning is an internationally recognized approach to ocean planning and management that brings together partners from federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments and organizations to make informed decisions and manage oceans in a more open and practical way.
• A marine protected area network plan for the Northern Shelf bioregion is being developed, jointly with partners, to help protect the marine biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
• This Agreement builds on the partnerships already established through the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan endorsed by Canada, First Nations and the Province of British Columbia in February 2017.
• Work under the Agreement has already begun on the Proactive Vessel Management initiative with a pilot project to address issues related to vessel traffic in local waterways. This national initiative will help identify measures, such as speed and routing controls, to improve safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Related Product

• Backgrounder: Reconciliation Framework Agreement

Associated Links

• Marine spatial planning
• Marine Protected Area Networks: Pacific Northern Shelf
• Proactive Vessel Management
• Protecting our coasts: Oceans Protection Plan
• Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area
• Let’s Talk – Oceans Protection Plan

Prime Minister nominates new Parliamentary Budget Officer

June 19, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of Yves Giroux as the new Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Mr. Giroux has served at the executive level for more than 15 years and has experience in fiscal, financial, and social policy areas. Since 2015, he has been the Assistant Commissioner of the Strategy and Integration Branch and the Chief Data Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer provides independent, non-partisan analysis on the state of Canada’s finances, the Government’s estimates, and trends in the economy; raises the quality of parliamentary debate; and promotes greater budget transparency and accountability. The Parliamentary Budget Officer also responds to requests from political parties or independent members of the House of Commons to estimate the financial cost of any election campaign proposal that the party or member is considering making.

Mr. Giroux was chosen as the nominee for this position through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.

Quote

“I am delighted to announce the nomination of Yves Giroux as Canada’s new Parliamentary Budget Officer. Mr. Giroux’s senior leadership experience and knowledge of the federal budget process have made him a key expert in the field. I am confident he will do a thorough job providing the independent, easy to understand information Parliamentarians need to make decisions about our country’s future.”
– The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada fulfilled its commitment to make a truly independent and more democratic Parliamentary Budget Office through changes to the Parliament of Canada Act that came into force in September 2017.
• Now recognized as an independent Officer of Parliament, the Parliamentary Budget Officer reports to Parliament through the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons.
• These changes also expanded the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s mandate to include the costing of political party platforms, so Canadians can review the fiscal plans of political parties from an independent, non-partisan source. 
• Under the Parliament of Canada Act, the Parliamentary Budget Officer is appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of seven years, after consultation and approval by resolution of the Senate and House of Commons.

Biographical Notes

• Yves Giroux

RUSSIA's latest news

Dmitry Medvedev meets with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in
21 June 2018 16:30 Government Reception House, Moscow




Excerpts from the transcript:


Meeting with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in

21 June 2018


Meeting with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in

21 June 2018
Следующая новость


Meeting with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr President, I am glad to welcome you as part of your state visit to Russia.

You and I met in November 2017 in Manila during the East Asia Summit. Many things happened since then, not all of them negative. Your state visit has great importance in terms of Russian-Korean relations.

Tomorrow you are scheduled to have talks with President Putin, which will include the signing of documents coordinated by our two governments. Today, we have an opportunity to exchange some thoughts on economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, and a number of other urgent matters on our agenda, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Russia is now hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup. I wish your team success.

Moon Jae-in (via interpreter): First of all, let me congratulate on your re-appointment as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

It gives me special pleasure to meet you after our last meeting in Manila on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit, where we exchanged useful ideas on ways to expand practical cooperation and strengthen friendship between our people.

I have just addressed the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This was the first time in my country’s history that the Korean President spoke in the State Duma. It provided me with a special opportunity to share my views and vision of the future development of Korean-Russian relations with the people of Russia.

I would like to congratulate you on the success of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Congratulations to your team on winning its first and second matches with high scores, and on Russia being the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 stage. I wish the Russian team further success so that it goes beyond its previous best and reaches the final.

Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you.

Moon Jae-in: On my way back I intend to make a stop in Rostov-on-Don in order to support my country’s team.

I hope that the World Cup helps the people of our countries strengthen their friendship and trust. We did the same in PyeongChang by seeking to promote friendship during the Winter Olympics, which turned into a celebration of universal peace and harmony.

The new northern policy adopted by the Korean Government with the view to achieving peace and shared prosperity across the Eurasian continent is to a large extent similar to Russia’s policy to develop its Far East and Siberia. Proceeding from this premise, I believe that we are valuable and important partners to each other.

Press statements following Union State Supreme State Council meeting


Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko made press statements following the Union State Supreme State Council meeting.
June 19, 2018
20:00
Minsk
Statement for the press following Union State Supreme State Council meeting.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Friends,

First, let me once again give a warm welcome to the President of Russia and the leadership of the Russian Federation in Belarus. As you know, this is worth a lot, because there is probably no other country that Russia’s senior officials visit like they do Belarus. We appreciate this, Mr President.

At today’s meeting of the Union State Supreme State Council, we discussed issues concerning the further expansion of bilateral cooperation, the development of integration processes and the promotion of economic cooperation. Our project is a stable platform for strengthening relations between Russia and Belarus.

The ultimate goal remains the same: to increase the dynamics of the two countries’ socioeconomic development and improve the lives of our people. Last year and early this year we reached stable growth in bilateral trade.

We must provide for the further growth of trade between the two countries, including by creating an equitable competitive environment. This is the topic to which we dedicated most of our time today.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION interesting latest

PRESS Eurogroup    21/6/2018  Eurogroup statement on the occasion of its 20th anniversary Today, the Eurogroup commemorated its first meeting 20 years ago in Luxembourg.  Established by the EU leaders shortly before the introduction of the euro, the Eurogroup is an informal body where euro area countries’ finance ministers meet to discuss issues related to the single currency. One of the greatest achievements of European integration, the euro has become a tangible part of the European identity. Since its inception it has grown both in membership and strength, enjoying the robust support of around 340 million people in 19 euro area countries. As the world's second most-used currency, it reinforces Europe's presence on the global scene. The euro has strengthened the internal market, providing an anchor for the economy: citizens and firms across Europe benefit from stable prices and conduct their business across national borders with unprecedented ease. The Eurogroup's commitment, helped the euro area to withstand the worst financial and economic crisis since the Great Depression. Lessons have been learnt: economic imbalances are better addressed, coordination was strengthened, and new common institutions were built to complement the monetary union and make it more resilient. European citizens never lost confidence in their currency; their currency does not fail them.  At present, with all euro area member states are experiencing economic growth and. s new and more rewarding jobs being added, we need to ensure that these gains will be shared among ever more citizens.  To ensure that the Economic and Monetary Union is well equipped to handle future challenges and to improve convergence, the Eurogroup is determined to continue promoting the implementation of sound national policies and to further develop common policies and tools. These are – more than ever – matters of our shared interest in today's rapidly evolving world.  The Eurogroup will pursue ambitious and forward-looking national and European policies that foster strong and equitable growth, investment and employment – delivering lasting prosperity for all.  The Eurogroup remains united in its unwavering political commitment to this common cause – the euro.

PRESS Eurogroup    22/6/2018  Eurogroup Statement on the updated Draft Budgetary Plans of Spain for 2018 The Eurogroup welcomes Spain's submission of an updated Draft Budgetary Plan (DBP) for 2018, as requested in its statement of 4 December 2017, as well as the Commission Opinion issued on 23 May 2018.  We agree with the Commission Opinion that the draft budget of Spain is broadly compliant with the requirements of the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). Based on the Commission forecast, the headline balance is expected to be below 3% of GDP in 2018, but above the target set by the Council. Spain's structural balance is expected to deteriorate in 2018 based on the Commission forecast.  The Eurogroup invites Spain to ensure compliance with SGP provisions within the national budgetary processes and welcomes its commitment to take any necessary measures.  The Eurogroup recalls that in its December 2017 statement it raised concern about the limited structural fiscal adjustment expected in 2018 in some Member States in the context of favourable economic conditions, whilst noting the persistence of legacies from the crisis in some areas.  We will continue to monitor euro area Member States' fiscal and economic policies, as well as the budgetary situation of the euro area as a whole. Having difficulty reading this email? View it online PRESS Council of the European Union    21/6/2018 Leave and flexible work for parents and carers: Council agrees general approach on the draft directive on work-life balance On 21 June 2018, the Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on work-life balance for parents and carers. On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position. "Men and women throughout Europe should be able to fulfil their full potential, both at work and in their family lives. With this directive, the EU will make it easier for men and women to share the joys and burdens of parenting or caring for relatives while continuing to pursue a career." Biser Petkov, Minister for Labour and Social Policies The aim of this proposal is to improve access to work-life balance arrangements, such as leave and flexible working arrangements for parents and carers. It should boost the take-up of family-related leave by men, which will help increase female labour market participation. The directive would introduce new minimum standards on paternity leave, with fathers or second parents being able to take at least 10 working days of leave around the time of the birth of the child, paid at a level defined by the member state concerned. It would also update the minimum standard on parental leave, keeping the existing individual right of 4 months but with 2 non-transferable months, with at least 1.5 months to be paid at a level set by the member state concerned. The directive would introduce an individual right to carers' leave, previously not recognised at EU level. It would also extend the right to request flexible working arrangements for parents, until the child is at least 8 years old, as well as for carers. Parents and carers could ask, for example, for flexible working hours or working patterns and for the right to work remotely. Council of the European Union    21/6/2018  Coordination of social security systems: Council agrees general approach On 21 June 2018, the Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the coordination of social security systems (revision of regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009). On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position. "The coordination of social security systems plays a key role in ensuring that the free movement of people works in practice. This update of the rules will make them clearer, fairer and easier to enforce." Biser Petkov, Minister for Labour and Social Policies The revision of the regulations on coordination of social security systems aims at modernising the rules by bringing them in line with the development of national social security systems, as well as making them clearer, fairer and simpler to enforce. This will make it easier for people to move freely within the EU. The draft amending regulation focuses on five areas: unemployment benefits, long-term care benefits, access to benefits for economically inactive persons, family benefits and applicable legislation for posted workers and persons working in two or more member states. It also includes a number of other smaller amendments. On unemployment benefits, the draft amending regulation updates rules on aggregation, exportability and the coordination of unemployment benefits for frontier and cross-border workers: It allows for member states to extend the period jobseekers are allowed to export their unemployment benefits up to the end of the period of their entitlement to benefits, instead of the current limit of 6 months. It encourages a closer tie between the labour market of the member state responsible for providing unemployment benefits and the unemployed person by allowing member states to require someone to work for at least one month on their territory before aggregating the previous periods they worked prior to claiming unemployment benefits. Otherwise the member state in which that person worked earlier, if they worked there for at least one month becomes responsible for aggregation. It establishes a closer link between the labour market of the member state responsible for providing unemployment benefits and the unemployed person by switching the member state responsible for paying unemployment benefits from the member state of residence to the member state of last employment if the person worked there for at least 3 months. The draft amending regulation reflects the impact of the aging society and the increasing role long term-care benefits play in national social security systems. In order to increase legal certainty, it clarifies the rules under which long-term care benefits can be coordinated. A stable regime for long-term care benefits coordination will contribute to facilitating the mobility of those in need of long-term care and persons caring for them. Changes regarding family benefits aim to promote shared child raising responsibilities and remove potential financial disincentives for parents who reduce their working hours to take care of their child during the same period. The proposal distinguishes between family benefits in cash intended to replace income not earned due to child-raising and all other family benefits. On applicable rules for posted workers, the proposed changes aim to ensure legal clarity and combat fraud by introducing: a period of prior affiliation and a time period between consecutive postings, as being at least 3 months and at least 2 months respectively clear criteria for determining the location of the registered office or place of business of the employer of a posted worker the possibility for retroactive withdrawal or rectification of a document in case of fraud or error On access to benefits for economically inactive persons, the draft amending regulation aims to ensure legal clarity by referring to relevant recent case law. Council of the European Union    21/6/2018  Transparent and predictable working conditions: Council reaches general approach On 21 June 2018, the Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) on the directive on transparent and predictable working conditions. On the basis of this mandate, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has adopted its position. "New ways of working can bring many advantages to both workers and the economy. However, we have to make sure that we are also able to address any issues which may arise. This draft directive defines a number of minimum rights for workers as part of the response to the challenges of these new forms of employment." Biser Petkov, Minister for Labour and Social Policies This draft directive addresses challenges brought by developments in the world of work, including  growing flexibilisation of the labour market and, in particular, the increase in the number of 'non-standard' forms of employment, such as temporary employment, part-time and on call work, zero hours contracts, on demand and multi-party employment. New forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships, and can lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned, creating uncertainty over applicable rights and social protection. It can even lead to situations where the workers are put in a very dependant and precarious situation, with uncertainty as to when and if they will work the next day. The draft directive includes revised obligations to inform workers of the essential aspects of their work, in a written form and in a timely manner. The timing for the receipt of this information has been reduced from two months to a week for initial basic information, and at last a month after the first working day for the rest of the information. This includes information on the place of work, type of work, working time, remuneration, amount of paid leave, the institution receiving the social security contributions, training entitlement, and the procedure for terminating employment. One of the novelties is that if the worker's work pattern is unpredictable, the employer will still have to indicate the reference period in which the worker may be required to work and the minimum advance notice. A number of minimum rights for workers are also defined, including the right: to limit to 6 months the duration of the probationary period at the beginning of the job to take up another job with a different employer in parallel to know reasonably in advance when work will take place to ask for a more secure job and receive a written reply from the employer to receive mandatory training cost-free Council of the European Union 21/6/2018 Main results - EU-Armenia Partnership Council, 21/06/2018 The first Partnership Council discussed EU-Armenia relations; the EU-Armenia comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement and priorities of the EU-Armenia partnership; and economic, trade and sectoral cooperation. A joint press statement was issued after the meeting. Council of the European Union    21/6/2018 Posting of workers: Council adopts the directive On 21 June 2018, the Council adopted the revision of the posting of workers directive. The aim of the revised directive is to facilitate the transnational provision of services, whilst ensuring fair competition and respect for the rights of those workers who are employed in one member state and sent to work temporarily in another by their employer (posted workers). More specifically, the directive aims at ensuring fair wages and a level playing field between posting and local companies in the host country whilst maintaining the principle of free movement of services. Revised directive on posted workers Posting of workers (background information)