About: social europe

‘Yes’ to a Social Europe – ‘no’ to a Social Union

The European Commission’s plan to implement the legally non-binding principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights leads us towards a Social Union rather than a Social Europe. This must be avoided, write a group of EU industry and employer groups.

How to solve the crisis? Strengthen workers’ voices.

In a matter of a few weeks, the political challenges facing Europe have changed dramatically, with the unfolding health and economic crisis. In the previous economic turmoil, our collective response was to weaken the rights of the worker. This time it must be different, argue Danish MEPs Marianne Vind, Nikolaj Villumsen and Kira Marie Peter-Hansen.

Putting values at the heart of the EU presidency

The goals of the new Finnish EU Presidency include a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable EU, the same priorities as its domestic agenda, writes Kaisa Penny.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Future of Europe: 10 tips for the old continent from its youth

Young Europeans do not need short-term, tokenistic initiatives but long lasting and sustainable solutions that make a real impact, and these need to be developed with input from Europe's youth, who have the potential to be the driving force of its future, writes Anna Widegren.

Macron versus Eastern Europe

The French president has found a scapegoat in temporary workers from Eastern Europe, making the same mistake as the UK in the lead up to Brexit, writes Antonia Colibasanu.

Taking a gamble on the European pillar of social rights

The European Pillar of Social Rights. The very name evokes something strong and dependable, upholding an overarching structure of protection. But beyond the jargon, what does it mean? Esther Lynch explains.

Signs of change towards Social Europe?

Progress has been made on social values, through the Commission’s Autumn Package. Fintan Farrell and Sian Jones explain what has been done and what is still left to do.

EU-27, still strong together

As Europe begins to think in earnest about life after the UK, the future of the EU remains very much obscured. In the week leading up to the Bratislava summit, a number of think tanks have outlined what they think the historic meeting will bring, continuing with Yves Bertoncini.

Mr Timmermans, don’t underestimate civil society’s potential in shaping Europe’s future

As poverty and inequalities worsen in the European Union, Frans Timmermans needs to nurture the debate between European decision-makers and civil society, not criticise the intentions and effectiveness of the latter, writes Jana Hainsworth.

Striving for triple-A on social issues

Jean-Claude Juncker’s European Commission has declared its intention to put social issues further up its agenda. Yet, the European Union and its member states need to focus on more than economic growth to foster social justice in Europe, argues Natália Mazotte.

What does Europe mean to Lula?

The former Brazilian president has shared his vision for Europe, calling on the continent’s progressive forces to offer hope and perspective to the most vulnerable parts of society, rather than leave them in the far right’s hands.

How one-sided career advice is hampering Europe’s recovery

For many, traineeships and apprenticeships provide a first step from education to employment. But it is also a step taken relatively late, writes Chris Jones, as the real challenge is providing career advice to people before they enter the labour market.

New fund supporting the most deprived is important but insufficient

Europe is facing a social crisis that requires immediate responses as well as long term initiatives. Material support as emergency relief is needed, while long term efforts to boost social inclusion must continue, five social NGOs write.

Will genuine monetary union be a fiscal or stability union?

Before Christmas (19th-20th December), European heads of state and government met in Brussels for the European Council, to discuss plans for a “genuine” Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). But what started as a promising plan appears to have been stripped-down intensively in scope, writes Björn Hacker.

Smart social policies boost EU competitiveness

Can Europe afford its social model and still be among the most competitive economies in the world? Juan Menéndez-Valdés, Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), the Dublin-based EU Agency, argues that the European social model is more important than ever. 

Why British workers should not be convinced by Cameron

Millions of British workers have reason to be grateful for EU employment measures, which Prime Minister David Cameron will try to discredit tomorrow in his landmark speech, writes Baron John Monks, stressing social advances achieved so far are a cause worth fighting for the British working people.

A social earthquake in the making

In Europe, a deteriorating youth marginalization is creating the preconditions for a social earthquake capable of shaking the old continent and impairing the survival of the Euro, writes Edoardo Campanella, economic adviser at the Italian Senate.