The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) is to meet on 30 November–1 December in Brussels.

An important issue on the agenda is the Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. The ministers are also to discuss the new influenza, the problem of increased antimicrobial resistance, recovery after the financial and economic crisis and gender equality.

Swedish Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin and Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni will chair the meeting on the first day, which is devoted to employment and social policy.

On the second day, during which ministers will discuss health policy, Swedish Minister for Elderly Care and Public Health Maria Larsson and Minister for Health and Social Affairs Göran Hägglund will chair the meeting.

Monday 30 November

• 8.20: Doorstep with Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin
• 8.20: Doorstep with Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni
• +/- 13.00: Press conference with Minister for employment Sven Otto Littorin
• +/- 18.00: Press conference with Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni

Tuesday 1 December

• 8.30: Doorstep with Minister for Elderly Care and Public Health Maria Larsson
• 8.30: Doorstep with Minister for Health and Social Affairs Göran Hägglund
• +/- 13.00: Press conference with Minister for Health and Social Affairs Göran Hägglund
• +/- 18.00: Press conference with Minister for Elderly Care and Public Health Maria Larsson