A social vision of the EU economy – Flagship Conference recommendations on the economy of wellbeing

At Social Platform’s ‘Building Social Europe’ Flagship Conference in Helsinki on 16-18 September 2019, the 150+ participants put forward a number of recommendations on an economy of wellbeing approach that leaves no one behind. Summarising their vision, participants agreed the following:

“The economy of wellbeing encompasses a long-term approach, that looks at the impact of decisions and policies on people’s lives; is based on a participatory governance structure; and ensures socio-economic and environmental justice for all.”

Piotr Sadowski, President of Social Platform, said:

“Integration of economic and social policies is essential to achieve an economic model that is socially inclusive and sustainable. This cannot be done without the participation of civil society organisations. They are the most connected to the people who feel the daily impact of laws made in Brussels and are best placed to tell decision-makers what works and what doesn’t.”

More specifically, to build a participatory governance structure, we ask for:

  • The involvement of civil society organisations, in all stages of the EU decision-making process – including the design, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation – to ensure decisions are based on the impact they have on people’s lives.
  • The future Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for ‘An Economy that Works for People’ to go beyond engaging only in social dialogue and to establish a structured relationship with civil society organisations to ensure that all decisions and policies are based on their impact on people’s lives.
  • The future Vice-President for ‘Democracy and Demography’ actively involves civil society organisations, right from the beginning of her mandate, in the development, contributions and follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Additionally, to ensure socio-economic and environmental justice for all, we request that:

  • Social inclusion, tax justice and environmental sustainability are recognised by EU institutions and member states as core objectives of the future EU post-2020 strategy, including in economic, monetary and tax policy reforms.
  • Social developments at EU level are evaluated and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are monitored.
  • Members States, led by the current and upcoming EU presidencies, in partnership with EU institutions, organise an annual social summit, in which civil society organisations are engaged.

To find out more about our Flagship Conference, visit our dedicated webpage.