Blog Articles

It’s nearly twelve months since the European Commission released its first concrete proposals for a European Pillar of Social Rights, which aims to deliver new and improve existing social rights for people in the EU. As Social Platform we welcome the Pillar; it’s the right tool to bring about the necessary policy changes to address key trends, such as poverty and social exclusion, job precariousness and in-work poverty, and barriers to accessing social protection. However, its success hinges on the use of a comprehensive implementation approach encompassing policy, governance, funding and civil dialogue. In this series of four ‘Build Social Europe’ blogs I’ll take a look at each of these areas in turn, and layout Social Platform’s recommendations on how the EU institutions and Member States can turn the Pillar from words into action.

The EU has a proven track record on delivering policy on areas concerning employment and social issues, fundamental rights, and non-disrcimination. From promotion of health and safety in the work place to social security coordination, the EU’s social acquis developed over decades has proved its added value in achieving social progress and equal opportunities for people across the continent. To further the impact of the European Pillar of Social Rights it’s vital to introduce EU legislation to establish minimum social standards and develop policy instruments.

The Pillar has injected new life into areas previously deemed as dead on arrival. As today is International Women’s Day, let’s take the example of the ill-fated Maternity Leave Directive; it was adopted by the European Parliament, sat for years untouched in the European Council, only to be scrapped altogether by the Commission once it became clear that the deadlock would not be broken. Now, the Pillar has given hope to women, men and families across Europe in the shape of the proposed Work-Life Balance Directive. The Directive puts forward a number of progressive measures that would address inequalities and bring the labour market closer to women, including paid paternity and carer’s leave, the right to request flexible working arrangements, and non-transferable parental leave enabling men to pick up more caring responsibilities.

But legislation isn’t the only route to achieving minimum social standards. “Soft law” and initiatives in specific areas that support the Pillar’s objectives should also be explored by decision-makers. As well as introducing new measures, a lot more could be done to capitalise on and improve existing policy instruments, such as National Roma Integration Strategies, the Social Investment Package, and the Accessibility Act.

Critics of calls for new legislation and policy instruments tend to argue that “social rights are a national responsibility!” But social policies are a shared competence between the EU and Member States, with the treaties clearly granting the EU law-making powers – albeit with some limitations. The Pillar’s overall ambition is simple: create more social, sustainable and inclusive societies. It’s time for national and European decision-makers alike to work together to make this win-win vision a reality.

Read more in Social Platform’s position, ‘Building Social Europe: A comprehensive implementation plan for an effective European Pillar of Social Rights’.