EESC calls for stronger, fairer European Pillar of Social Rights that leaves no one behind

Following a debate in plenary with European Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted an own-initiative opinion urging the European Commission to deliver a more ambitious and fairer action plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Proclaimed in 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) set out 20 principles to support fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. While the first action plan (2021–2025) helped advance employment and social inclusion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has put forward a set of concrete proposals to guide the next phase of EPSR implementation.

This was the call made by EESC President Oliver Röpke who, in urging for a concrete and effective new action plan, stressed that: 'The European Pillar of Social Rights was never meant to be symbolic. It was always intended as a blueprint for a Union that puts people first. But to live up to that promise, we need a new and ambitious action plan that delivers real progress on the ground. Europe cannot afford to side-line its social dimension. The EESC is ready to be a vocal and constructive partner in building a Union that is not only economically strong but also fair, inclusive and ready for the future.'

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, highlighted that the debate was timely, since the public consultation on the new action plan had just been launched by the Commission, adding: 'Europe is a unique political project. And while the competitiveness of our Union and the security of our people is front and centre, they mean little if our project does not have social cohesion and social rights. Our challenge, as political leaders engaging with all stakeholders, is to decide to what extent in the recipe for productivity and collective security do social rights feature. The Pillar of Social Rights is our compass and shield, to help prepare people to deal with the concerns they have regarding their jobs, their day-to-day lives and their future. The new realities we are facing make strong social rights - fit for today and tomorrow - even more important.'

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, represented by Katarzyna Nowakowska, Deputy Minister for Family, Labour and Social Policy emphasised the importance of tackling poverty, saying that 2,8 million were pulled out of poverty by the end of last year but that was not enough. She added: 'The challenges identified in the Pillar remain largely valid and require further determined action. However, social reality is constantly changing, not least due to the dynamic geopolitical situation. Today, perhaps more than ever, we should harness our best minds and marshal the best analytical resources we have to address the challenges and to do it effectively.'

Concrete measures and new targets

The New action plan on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights opinion, which was adopted following the debate, calls for binding measures, stronger governance, and puts forward concrete proposals to ensure social rights are realised across the EU.

'To meet citizens’ needs, we recommend two new targets: "affordable housing" and "quality jobs" explained rapporteur Sophia Reisecker, adding: 'We urge the establishment of ambitious EU-wide standards to combat in-work poverty as well as for unemployment insurance, a directive on psychosocial risks and the right to disconnect. For the implementation, we suggest stronger social dialogue and active civil society involvement.'

Concrete proposals in the opinion include:

• a new EU strategy for gender equality post-2025, with intersectional approaches and binding targets;

• stronger support for labour market integration, including a framework for high-quality unemployment insurance and targeted measures for people with disabilities;

• full implementation of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive and the Platform Work Directive alongside a new 'quality job target' to promote decent work;

• investment in lifelong learning as a right, with financial support for individuals undertaking training; and

• a robust legal framework for traineeships to ensure fair treatment of young workers.

Active civil society involvement

The EESC stresses that effective implementation requires stronger governance and adequate resources. It therefore calls for the full involvement of the social partners and civil society in shaping and monitoring EPSR policies.

In its opinion, the Committee calls for:

• the mainstreaming of gender and youth rights across all 20 EPSR principles;

• a 'golden rule' in EU fiscal policy to allow for increased social investment;

• earmarked funding for social objectives in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF); and

• a revised social scoreboard with better indicators and disaggregated data to track progress.

It also warns against the risk of social objectives being sidelined amid rising defence spending and fiscal constraints.

The EESC’s proposals aim to ensure that the next EPSR action plan delivers on its promise: to make social rights a reality for all. By aligning social ambition with economic resilience, the EU can build a more inclusive and sustainable future; a Union that leaves no one behind.

Quotes from speakers

‘To secure economic and social progress, we must address the shortage of skilled workers and focus on realistic, measurable objectives like higher employment. New regulations alone are not the answer—what we need is sustainable income growth, lifelong learning, and a strong productivity agenda, ensuring that quality jobs and social protection are built on a competitive, innovative economy.'

Mariya Mincheva, Vice-President of the EESC Employers' Group

‘Too many workers across Europe remain stuck in precarious, low-paid jobs, while social protection systems are stretched or underfunded. Too many people remain at risk of poverty, while we witness massive income inequalities and an increase in the super-rich. This is not acceptable in a Union built on shared progress.’

Lucie Studničná, President of the EESC Workers' Group

‘In view of the upcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, it is time for the EU to push for a mental paradigm shift in societies and to move towards the right to a life without poverty. 'The forthcoming strategy should include binding targets for poverty reduction, with local, national and European action plans working hand in hand. It should introduce poverty checks into all EU policies and directly involve and support relevant civil society organisations. The defence of democracy, rights and poverty eradication must be pursued together, as one singular objective.’

Séamus Boland, President of the EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group