About: European pillar of social rights
Commissioner Schmit: The future of Europe is not low wages, insecure jobs
The EU is facing the worst recession in history as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure that the crisis does not turn into a social emergency, the bloc must address issues like job security, minimum wages, or youth opportunities, the Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, told EURACTIV in an interview.
Nicolas Schmit: ‘The first dignity of work is to pay people a fair wage’
Nicolas Schmit will have a busy 2020. The EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights outlined on Tuesday (14 January) a comprehensive agenda to beef up the EU’s social policies. He discussed the details in an interview with EURACTIV.
Schmit to unveil EU minimum wage proposal in January
Nicolas Schmit announced on Tuesday (10 December) that he will unveil his proposal for an EU minimum wage framework in early January, following his first Council meeting as a member of the new European Commission.
In-work-poverty increasing in spite of economic growth, study reveals
Social inequalities, including in-work-poverty, have increased in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, according to the findings of a study released by SOLIDAR, published on Wednesday (13 November).
Make the digital transition fair as well, experts warn
The world of work is changing dramatically as a consequence of the digital transformation, while the social protection systems are often not added to the new realities of the labour market, experts warned during an event hosted by EURACTIV.
Trade unionist: Von der Leyen has to deliver on Social Europe ‘if she wants to gain trust’
The Workers Group of the Economic and Social Committee welcomes European Commission president-elect Ursula Von der Leyen’s announcements on social policy but if she wants to be trusted, she needs to deliver, president Olivier Röpke told EURACTIV.
Von der Leyen spells out concessions to Parliament ahead of crunch vote
Putting carbon neutrality into law during first 100 days, a new “Just Transition Fund” or the nomination of two executive vice-presidents are some of the concessions listed by European Commission President nominee Ursula von der Leyen, according to the letters seen by Euractiv.
Digitalisation is a threat as much as an opportunity for workers, experts say
While digitalisation offers more flexible forms of work, it can also be a threat to well-being and encroach on work-life balance, policymakers warned during an event organised by EURACTIV.
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?
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.