In the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, unemployment figures reached a peak of more than 26 million in the EU in 2013. Principle 13 of the European Pillar of Social Rights states that the unemployed have the right to adequate unemployment benefits of reasonable duration. Unemployment insurance schemes exist in all EU Member states, however they vary considerably and do not always offer sufficient protection. AK proposes the introduction of common minimum standards for unemployment insurance schemes in EU Member States. Minimum standards would strengthen social protection and help stabilise the economy by cushioning the impact of negative shocks.