The EPSR was announced in 2017 and supplemented in 2021 by a first-stage action plan to guide its implementation. Nevertheless, much work remains before the targets for reducing poverty, boosting employment, and enhancing further training can be met. Consequently, in its 2025 work programme, the Commission set out its intention to present a new action plan and launched a public consultation on the matter, in which AK participated. It requests the establishment of a coherent governance framework for implementing EPSR, enhanced integration into the social and environmental transition processes, and the adoption of concrete, ambitious and legally binding measures.

General framework conditions for an effective EPSR implementation

To date, there has been a lack of a coherent and coordinated governance framework within which systematic efforts are made to achieve the EU 2030 social targets and to implement the EPSR in general. According to AK, a Social Progress Protocol (SPP) should be enshrined in EU primary law to guarantee the prioritisation of fundamental social rights. Furthermore, a quality job target and a target value for reducing the number of people with only compulsory education should be included in the EU Core 2030 Social Targets.

To advance the implementation of the EPSR, sufficient funding is required, which is not currently guaranteed. It is essential to establish sustainable and robust financing mechanisms for the long term, rather than relying on isolated measures of limited duration or scope. The social and ecological transition requires substantial public investment. This will need additional investment of at least 1% of the EU’s economic output per year and, in this context, a joint EU investment fund financed by Eurobonds. It is intended to serve as a suitable successor to the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which is due to expire in a year’s time. Overall, the European Semester must place greater emphasis on the EPSR and the new Action Plan. Specifically, AK’s position on the 20 principles of the EPRR, which are divided into three chapters, includes the following proposals.

Chapter 1: Equal opportunities and access to the labour market

The first of the three chapters the EPSR sets out principles on labour market access and equal opportunities. Widespread access to education is essential. Whilst the 2021 Action Plan sets out quantitative targets, it lacks binding measures to ensure they are met. AK is therefore calling for specific legal entitlements to initial and continuing education, educational leave, skills development and income replacement benefits during training. With regard to gender equality and equal opportunities, there is a need, on the one hand, for the consistent implementation of existing EU instruments, such as gender quotas on supervisory boards and pay transparency. On the other hand, it is necessary to introduce further measures to combat discrimination and to provide targeted support for disadvantaged groups. However, rights must be safeguarded not only for those entering the workforce, but also for those wishing to remain in the labour market or change careers, particularly in view of the ongoing economic transformation as part of the decarbonisation process. A Just Transition Directive must include specific social rights for affected workers and be supplemented by a European Job Guarantee for the long-term unemployed.

Chapter 2: Fair working conditions

The second chapter of the EPSR aims to ensure fair working conditions. AK is calling for EU-wide minimum standards in areas such as bogus self-employment, continued pay in the event of illness or care responsibilities, working hours and rest periods in healthcare professions, and quality standards for personal carers. With regard to wages and salaries, a productivity-oriented wage policy and the strengthening of collective bargaining systems are essential. Wage regulations must be monitored and breaches penalised. The European Labour Authority should promote cooperation between national authorities in cases involving seasonal employment, bogus posting schemes and complex international subcontracting arrangements, and be granted powers for effective enforcement.

To ensure a healthy, safe and suitable working environment, the physical and psychological strain caused by digital technologies must be incorporated into the regulations governing the protection of workers. In view of high unemployment and increasing workplace stress, efforts should be made to promote a reduction in working hours and the fair distribution of work. To strengthen data protection, an EU legal framework is needed to safeguard workers’ rights and privacy when using digital technologies.

Chapter 3: Social Protection and Inclusion

The third chapter of the EPSR focuses on social protection and social inclusion. AK calls for guidelines on minimum standards for unemployment insurance and minimum income schemes. AK advocates expanding childcare services and addressing child poverty by implementing minimum standards and the European Child Guarantee. AK EUROPA calls for a well-developed, dependable public pension system for retirement income and pensions. Furthermore, the automatic adjustment of the retirement age in line with life expectancy must also be firmly rejected. Similarly, promoting the rights of people with disabilities is a key component of social inclusion. Finally, the EU must guarantee affordable housing and essential services for everyone, and take action to address energy poverty.

Further information

AK EUROPA Position Paper: New Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights
AK EUROPA Study: The Social Pillar and the future of the EU social agenda
AK EUROPA: Quality Jobs Roadmap. Why an effective EU agenda to strengthen job quality is necessary
AK EUROPA: Just Transition Directive. EU Parliament provides important impetus for shaping a just transition
AK EUROPA: Stop bogus self-employment - labour rights must apply to all workers
AK EUROPA: Fighting poverty in the EU. European Parliament report calls for effective measures
AK EUROPA: The future of pensions. Austria's pay-as-you-go system is unbeaten
AK EUROPA: Essential services in times of high prices: Urgently needed, but unaffordable for many