Launch of the European Pillar of Social Rights

Summary:

The European Commission launched on 26 April 2017 the European Pillar of Social Rights. It includes a package of key principles and legislative measures to support labourt markets and welfare systems in the European Union (EU).

The European Parliament held a debate on this Pillar on the same day.

Further information:

The principles and rights enshrined in the Pillar were structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion. They were primarily conceived for the Eurozone but applicable to all member states wishing to be part of it.

The legislative package includes the following proposals:

+ [COM(2017)251] Proposal for a Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights;

+ [COM(2017)253] Proposal for a Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers;

+ Two consultations, on modernising the rules of labour contracts and on access to social protection;

+ A clarification of the Working Time Directive.

A social scoreboard was also established to track trends and performances across member states in 12 areas and to assess progress towards a social 'triple A' for the European Union as a whole. The launch of the ESPR was accompanied by the adoption of a Communication presenting it and setting out its way forward and implementation.

The EPSR was announced during the State of the Union speech in September 2015. In March 2016, a public consultation was launched on this matter and in October the Committee of the Regions issued an Opinion on the Pillar. The European Parliament also adopted a resolution on the subject in January 2017. In March, a High Level Conference was held as an introductory note to the official launch.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: Press Release, 26.04.17: Employment: MEPs to discuss plans to reinforce workers' rights http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170407STO70803/

European Commission: Press Release, 26.04.17: Delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights – Commission adopts first concrete initiatives http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-1006_en.htm

European Commission: Delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights [Q&A] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-1005_en.htm

European Commission: Speaking points by Commissioner Thyssen on the European Pillar of Social Rights and accompanying initiatives http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-17-1119_en.htm

Politico, 26.04.17: Brussels pushes for work-life balance http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-announces-major-boost-to-social-agenda/

Reuters, 26.04.17: EU ponders stronger social protection as populist wave rises http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-social-idUSKBN17S1N2

Luxemburger Wort, 26.04.17: EU seeks deeper social rights to thwart populists http://www.wort.lu/en/politics/proposals-eu-seeks-deeper-social-rights-to-thwart-populists-5900a2b0a5e74263e13bd46b

Bloomberg, 26.04.17: [Opinion] Europe Sticks With Socialism https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-26/europe-sticks-with-socialism

EurActiv, 26.04.17: App economy jobs come under Commission scrutiny http://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/app-economy-jobs-come-under-commission-scrutiny/

EurActiv, 25.04.17: Commission to propose ten-day paternity leave https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/commission-to-propose-ten-day-annual-paternity-leave/

Deutsche Welle, 26.04.17: EU Commission unveils 'pillar' of social rights protection to fight populists http://p.dw.com/p/2byBK

European Parliament: Press Release, 26.04.17: European Pillar of Social Rights: call for highest possible common standards http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170424IPR72037/

EUObserver, 27.04.17: Commission launches bid to make Europe social https://euobserver.com/social/137691

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