The European Pillar of Social Right Action Plan
by European Commission
The 20 principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights are the beacon guiding us towards a strong Social Europe and set the vision for our new ‘social rulebook’. They express principles and rights essential for fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems in 21st century Europe. Some principles reaffirm rights already present in the Union acquis; others set clear objectives for the path ahead as we address the challenges arising from societal, technological and economic developments.
The effective implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights is now more important than ever and greatly depends on the resolve and action of Member States, who primarily hold responsibility for employment, skills and social policies.
EU-level actions can complement national actions and this Action Plan is the Commission’s contribution to the implementation of the Social Pillar principles, in line with the calls from European Leaders5 and the European Parliament.
The Action Plan draws on a large-scale consultation launched about a year ago where more than 1000 contributions were received from citizens, EU institutions and bodies, Member States, regional and local authorities, social partners, and civil society organisations7. The Action Plan sets out a number of EU actions that the Commission is committed to take during the current mandate, building on the many actions taken since the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Gothenburg8. It also puts forward three EU-level targets to be achieved by 2030 and that will help to steer national policies and reforms.
The Porto Social Summit in May 2021 will be an occasion to rally forces to renew, at the highest political level, the commitment to implement the Social Pillar. This Action Plan constitutes the Commission’s contribution to the Porto Social Summit. The Commission calls on Member States, social partners and other relevant actors, such as regional and local authorities as well as civil society, to join in a collective endeavour to accelerate the implementation of the Pillar within their respective spheres of competence, and swiftly make its principles a reality. So that a strong Social Europe continues to be a model for the world.
Access the full report here
Read more about the European Pillar of Social Rights and its 20 key principles and rights
Download the European Pillar of Social Rights Booklet here