About: social europe
MEPs approve the creation of the European Labour Authority
On Tuesday (16 April), MEPs approved the creation of a European Labour Authority, as well as several positions that favour the rights of European workers and combat social dumping. But major changes still need to be made. EURACTIV France reports.OpinionPromoted content
For a new vision of social Europe after May’s elections
The European elections in May are an opportunity to reinvigorate social Europe, writes Marie Béatrice Levaux.
French people make ‘social Europe’ proposals in workshops ahead of EU elections
When consulted at a workshop on the future of “social Europe” after the European elections, French people were ambitious on social issues. EURACTIV France reports.
‘Citizens do not see Europe as an answer to social challenges’
In the run-up to the European elections, the social dimension of Europe remains a great unknown to European citizens. EURACTIV France reports.
Work vs family: how some countries lead the way in flexible working
Work pressures can impact on family life as many parents may feel unable to catch up with their family responsibilities because of work commitments. These pressures are particularly dramatic for new parents. Flexible working arrangements can help ease these tensions, RAND Europe argues.
Ten-day minimum paternity leave to be rolled out across EU
In an effort to promote gender equality, the European institutions have approved establishing a ten-day minimum paternity leave for the whole of the EU, which represents a step forward for most countries. Although this leave already exists in France, it will be made more flexible. EURACTIV France reports.
Greek minister: Refugees are the modern Jews, scapegoats of the crisis
Refugees and immigrants have become modern-day scapegoats for demagogues, who are turning a blind eye to the real causes of the crisis - rising inequalities, according to Greece's Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Katrougalos. EURACTIV.com reports from Athens.
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.
Domestic employment – 18 million potential jobs
Domestic services now represent eight million jobs in Europe. However, the legal vacuum surrounding these professions threatens “social Europe”, Élisabeth Morin-Chartier and Marie-Béatrice Levaux told EURACTIV France.
MEPs show support for Parliament interpreters
Interpreters at the European Parliament are currently on strike, but can be requisitioned in case of a session. MEPs showed their support for them on Tuesday (3 July) by switching off their microphones for 30 minutes. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Social Germany? Still a long way to equal opportunities
As EU Social Affairs ministers are currently discussing social rights in the labour market, it is striking that, especially in the welfare state of Germany, one's career still depends heavily on where one comes from. EURACTIV Germany reports.
MEPs and NGOs urge ministers to reach deal on Work-Life Balance directive
More than 3000 organisations and a group of senior MEPs have urged EU employment ministers to broker a common deal to open talks with MEPs on the Work-life Balance Directive next Thursday (21 June).
Truck drivers could pay the price for EU compromise on posted workers
Two draft laws which will be voted on during the European Parliament's plenary session on Thursday (14 June) could lead to more job insecurity for lorry drivers. EURACTIV.fr reports.
European Parliament votes in favour of the revision on posted workers
After 27 months of negotiations, MEPs approved a revision of the posted workers directive, an issue which symbolises divisions between East and West in the EU. EURACTIV.fr reports.
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.
Expert: Basic income experiment did not fail
The Finnish basic income experiment is currently causing a stir, some even declare it has failed. That is not entirely correct but there are important decisions to make in Finland. EURACTIV Germany’s media partner “WirtschaftsWoche” reports.
ILO concerned about the future of social dialogue
If social dialogue is to remain useful it will have to adapt to changes in the labour market. New, atypical forms of work have blurred the lines of the employee-employer relationship. The representativeness of these relations is a key issue. 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.
Sectoral Social Dialogue: The promising side of industrial relations in the EU
The 44 Sectoral Social Dialogue Committees promote better working conditions in sectors as varied as the chemical industry or the footwear sector. It enjoys a lot of support and has received rave reviews but currently only affects a limited number of sectors. EURACTIV.fr reports.
The end of European labour agreements?
Barely a dozen sectoral agreements have been finalised ever since social dialogue was established in Europe. The social partners’ contradictory objectives and the progressive disinvestment of the European Commission are to blame for this.
Tackle the discrepancies of enlargement to build a genuine social model
To put vigour back into its social model, the discrepancies and contradictions which are the byproducts of the enlargement and deepening of the Union during the last twenty years need to be addressed, writes Alfred Sant. VideoPromoted content
Could things be different with a social Europe?
The S&D Group has always led the fight for a Social Europe. The declaration of the European Pillar of Social Rights signed in Göteborg is a first step, but we expect concrete actions to make social rights a reality for every citizen.
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.