Strengthening social rights in the EU is an essential goal for substantially improving working and living conditions. This approach is also vital for achieving the social goals outlined in the EU Treaties and is crucial to maintaining and strengthening the trust of EU residents in European Union institutions. Following the first Action Plan for implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) in 2021, the Commission is expected to present the second Action Plan in July 2026. While it should be noted that several EU social policy acts have been introduced in recent years, bringing progress in EU legislation, AK believes that, with regard to the principles of the EPSR, there is still considerable need for action.

In this new AK EUROPA position paper, we outline which key areas would need to be addressed: Particularly, a coherent governance framework is needed for implementing the EPSR and achieving the EU’s 2030 social targets. The implementation of the EPSR must also be embedded in a broader framework in order to coordinate the necessary social and ecological transformation. This includes a new EU investment fund as well as reforms in economic governance to counteract pressure on social budgets. Furthermore, ambitious and effective EU minimum social standards, along with their uniform application, are essential, particularly in the following areas: education and training, algorithmic management, health and safety at work, gender equality, a ‘just transition’, combating wage and social dumping, unfair employment contract clauses, unemployment insurance and minimum income schemes, a European Job Guarantee, healthcare professions and live-in carers as well as public procurement.