At the start of the event, Judith Vorbach, Head of AK EUROPA Brussels office, pointed out that democracy is an indispensable prerequisite for the implementation of social rights in view of the elections to the European Parliament on 9 June 2024. Laura de Bonfils, Secretary General of Social Platform, emphasised the need to bring social, economic and environmental policies together and to call for a strong social agenda for the next EU legislative period.

Current study on the European Pillar of Social Rights
AK EUROPA, together with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Social Platform and Solidar, commissioned a study to a team of authors from the European Policy Centre (EPC). Tommaso Grossi, one of the authors, presented the study entitled "The Social Pillar and the Future of the EU Social Agenda" and made policy recommendations for the next EU legislative period. Among other, he proposed an EU initiative for better working conditions, measures for a just green transition, the promotion of equal opportunities, a social protection package, sufficient financial resources and improved political decision-making processes.

Here to stay
In the subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Aline Hoffmann, Head of Unit at the European Trade Union Institute ETUI, representatives from various sectors summarised the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights to date and presented their views on the future development of EU social policy. Fabien Dell, Head of Unit in DG EMPL (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) of the EU Commission, began by emphasising that the European Pillar of Social Rights is a pioneering compass and a strong and stable instrument that is here to stay. Now is precisely the right time to make recommendations to the Commission for further implementation steps.

Challenges and proposals for solutions   
MEP Agnes Jongerius, member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, EU Parliament (S&D), criticised the austerity rules in the context of the EU economic governance, which she saw in contrast to an effective EU social policy. In order to cope with the changes in the labour market as a result of the green and digital transition, people's fears must be addressed. Fair labour mobility is needed, and inhumane employment and exploitation must be unveiled in order to be put to an end. Tea Jarc, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, emphasised that the next EU Commission must improve people's living and working conditions to ensure that the green transition can succeed and the shortage of skilled workers can be counteracted. A reduction in working hours and the right to free training in the workplace during working hours are necessary. Human control should be retained in the digital transition and not be handed over to algorithms.

Responsibility also with the EU Member States
Francesco Corti, Advisor to the Belgian Minister for Social Affairs and Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, also placed the responsibility for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights on the EU Member States. The Belgian EU Council Presidency is putting the social agenda centre stage. A high-level conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights will be organised on 15. and 16. April 2024, together with social partners and NGOs. Björn Hacker, Professor for European Economic Policy at the UAS Berlin, noted with regard to the "Social Scoreboard" as part of the European Semester that indicators are not enough. In addition, clear goals are needed and should be pursued at national level. This does not require a common European welfare state, but a common framework that can be implemented in all countries, regardless of differences in the economic or social system.

Time for a new chapter in EU social policy
On the occasion of the event, AK EUROPA published a policy brief on the topic of minimum social standards in Europe. The areas in which AK believes steps must be taken quickly include effective minimum standards for unemployment insurance and minimum income schemes as well as combating wage and social dumping.

In his closing remarks, László Andor, Secretary General of FEPS and former EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, referred to Karl Polanyi's work "The Great Transformation". He said it was time to open a new chapter, learn from the mistakes of the past and take the right steps in view of the noticeable shift to the right in Europe. The economic integration of the single market must go hand in hand with social policy and social dialogue.

Further Information:
AK EUROPA: The European Pillar of Social Rights. Turning principles into practice
AK EUROPA et al: The Social Pillar and the future of the EU social agenda
AK EUROPA: Towards strong minimum social standards for social progress in Europe
European Trade Union Confederation: Presentation of the manifesto for the European election 2024
EU Commission: The European Pillar of Social Rights
EU Commission: The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan