News

On the week of Trump’s inauguration as the next United States President nationalism, protectionism and identity politics pose very real threats to democracy. And not only on the other side of the Atlantic; we stand in solidarity with friends and colleagues working in civil society in Hungary and Poland whose voices are being silenced. The very existence of organisations who dare to criticise government is under question.

Approaching its 60th birthday, the European Union is perhaps at its most vulnerable ever. Theresa May promises to lay out plans on Brexit tomorrow – probably more hard than soft. Whatever happens, negotiations will be expensive, painful and unlikely to bring out the best in our leaders. How the EU deals with one powerful Member State leaving and others openly challenging its authority will be critical in defining Europe’s future.

In a best case scenario, the EU will emerge stronger by asserting its role, externally and internally, in upholding human rights, social justice and democracy. The upcoming European Pillar of Social Rights and the White Paper on deepening of the European Monetary Union must demonstrate that the EU is serious about addressing inequalities and putting social goals on a par with economic ones. There are opportunities to revisit the EU’s macro-economic governance tools allowing Member States greater flexibility to ensure adequate and effective health, education and social spending – especially where it’s possible to demonstrate the long-term positive economic and social impact.

The worst case scenario is not worth spelling out! Needless to say national elections in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and the Netherlands will be vital in helping or hindering a progressive EU.

Meanwhile, this week Members of the European Parliament head to Strasbourg for their first official session of the year, among other things to vote in a new President. For the first time the result is unpredictable. However the two most likely candidates are older white male career politicians who fail to capture the imagination given current winds of change. As Social Platform, our eyes are on Thursday’s vote on the report on the European Pillar of Social Rights. The parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs committee report made constructive, concrete proposals to strengthen a social Europe but tabled amendments undermine its attempt to strengthen labour law and social protection systems. Undoubtedly these competing visions of the EU will be played out repeatedly in 2017. Our sector needs all hands on deck to argue its case and provide convincing evidence.

Warm wishes,

Jana Hainsworth, President