About: social protection Archives

Squeezed by the economic crisis, Europe's labour markets can find new dynamism through social innovation, said Vladimir Špidla, EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, in an exclusive interview with EURACTIV.

Being particularly vulnerable, the elderly are "often ignored and denied their full human rights," according to the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg, writing on the council's website on 28 April 2008.

Two commissioners have promised financial support for the 4,000 workers to be laid off at the Vorst (Brussels) car manufacturing plant, while Belgian politicians hit out at the "national considerations" behind Volkswagen's restructuring decision.

Member states spend more each year to pay for the costs of old age, sickness, unemployment, housing and children. Large differences prevail between countries. 

The extraordinary summit of EU heads of state and government to be held on 27 October has shifted its focus from the sustainability of Europe's social model to the challenges of globalisation for competitiveness.

The model of flexicurity - a combination of easy hiring and firing, high benefits for the unemployed and a pro-active labour market policy - could solve many of Europe's unemployment problems, experts at a conference agreed.

Undeclared work and the synchronisation of EU social policies are the two main discussion points on the agenda of the informal Council meeting on 10-12 July 2003.

The plenary Convention discussion on the final report of the Working Group on Social Europe showed a broad consensus on the values and objectives for the EU's social policy. The Convention Members, however, remained divided over the definition of the competences and the possible extension of co-decision and qualified majority voting on social issues.

The Convention on the Future EU will discuss the final report of the Working Group on Social Europe in its plenary session on 6 February 2003. The Working Group members reached a broad consensus on the values and objectives for the EU's social policy, but remained divided over the definition of the competences and the possible extension of co-decision and qualified majority voting on social issues.