About: European pillar of social rights

EU election 2019: What next for Social Europe?

In November 2017, the European Commission launched the European Pillar of Social Rights, which resulted in 25 legislative initiatives. Ahead of the EU elections this week, EURACTIV looks at what the main political parties have on offer for social Europe.

Social security reform postponed until next European Parliament

Deep divisions among MEPs made it clear on Thursday (19 April) that the social security coordination directive, aimed at enforcing the rights of mobile workers, would be postponed for the next European Parliament, after May's EU elections.

EU lawmakers give green light to strengthening parents and carers’ rights

The European Parliament backed on Thursday (4 April) the work-life balance directive, which introduces a set of minimum standards to help reconcile work and family responsibilities for parents and carers in Europe, and thus improve gender equality. 

Gender balance in the workplace: ‘Not a women’s issue anymore’

The work-life balance directive is only a few steps away from becoming law after the European Parliament and EU member states reached political agreement in January. The new rules will boost women’s representation in the workplace while securing at least 10 days of paid parental leave for fathers.

Secure a social Triple A by making the Social Pillar a reality

Nearly one billion people have escaped poverty worldwide since the first #EndPoverty Day, but too many others have been left behind, even in Europe, writes Luca Jahier.

Unions defend multilateral cooperation to protect workers’ rights

Over 500 representatives from across Europe gathered in Brussels last week to reflect on how unions can reshape the role of labour markets in a world where multilateral cooperation is in crisis.

How to protect workers’ rights in a volatile labour market?

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In 2017, the European Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights, aimed to ensure fair working conditions, social protection and inclusion. How can the the Pillar protect workers’ rights? How can trade unions address new challenges related to working conditions while protecting traditional workers?

Longevity and the limits of the welfare state in Europe

In November 2017, the EU proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights. However, there are still many shortcomings within the current welfare state and unless policies reflect values then plummeting fertility rates or fading solidarity between young and old will persist, writes Anna Záborská.

Europe fair, but room for improvement- Eurobarometer

Europeans generally see their society as fair, particularly in Scandinavia, but income gap, which has increased greatly, was singled out as an issue of concern, according to a Eurobarometer survey. EURACTIV.fr reports.

A turnaround for social Europe?

Criticised for its lack of action on the social dialogue, the European Commission could reverse the trend this year with a “Fairness Pack” in mid-March that will include the creation of a European Labour Authority. EURACTIV.fr reports.

Reinvigorating Europe by investing in its people – vital role of EU budget

The EU has set itself an ambitious social agenda in the shape of the European Pillar of Social Rights, but the biggest test will be whether decision-makers will put their money where their mouths are by providing the necessary funds, writes Jana Hainsworth.

No future of work without social innovation

Futureproof labour markets must embed social innovation, writes Denis Pennel.

An EU fund for industrial relations could strengthen Social Europe

On 17 November, EU leaders met with social partners in Gothenburg, Sweden, to discuss how to foster more and better jobs and growth in Europe. Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson, Eva Nordmark and Göran Arrius describe how the EU should now proceed.

Unions across Europe want a Brexit deal to work for working people

This week’s European Council summit looks certain to give the green light to the EU to open negotiations on a new relationship with the UK. Frances O’Grady and Luca Visentini explain what trade unions in the EU and the UK want from the future deal.

‘Let’s do our work’ on social policy, Juncker tells member states

Europe’s credibility hinges on national leaders agreeing social legislation that applies across the bloc, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Friday (17 November) at a summit with leaders from EU countries in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Juncker is ‘sincerely in favour of social Europe’

Jean-Claude Juncker deserves credit for making social issues a priority for the European Commission, Socialist MEP Maria Joao Rodrigues told EURACTIV.com in an interview.

Economic and social progress are two sides of the same coin

When EU heads of state and government gather in Gothenburg to debate fair jobs and growth, it will be the first such ‘social summit’ in 20 years, writes Juan Menéndez-Valdés.

A more social Europe – no need to reinvent the wheel

This week is all about pushing forward by finally adding a “social pillar” to the EU-framework. Scandinavia has been leading the way on sustainable social models for decades – so there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Gothenburg – hot air or a real deal?

Hats off to the Swedish Government for proposing the EU social summit that takes place on Friday, writes Esther Lynch.

Estonian minister: The digital economy needs more social Europe

There needs to be an EU-wide solution to precarious app economy jobs, said Estonian Labour and Health Minister Jevgeni Ossinovski in an interview with EURACTIV.com.

We need to nurture the biodiversity of the labour market

Europe faces a work revolution. To survive, we need to heed the words of Charles Darwin and adapt and adjust to fit our changing environment, writes Denis Pennel.

Prof. Guy Standing: Every country can afford Universal Basic Income

99% of people want to improve their lives. And the UBI won’t prevent them from wanting it. So if such projects prevent them from having to do terrible jobs, this is positive, Guy Standing told EURACTIV Poland.