European Pillar of Social Rights

Introduction and Overview

The European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) is a key initiative by the European Commission designed to establish a framework of principles and rights supporting fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems across the European Union. Presented as a Communication in April 2017, it acts as a compass for a renewed process of convergence towards better working and living conditions. The Pillar is not a single piece of directly enforceable law but rather a reference framework intended to guide future actions at both the EU and Member State levels. It is primarily conceived for the euro area but remains open to all EU Member States wishing to participate.

Evolution and Relation to Other Laws

The concept was first announced by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in his 2015 State of the Union address. This was followed by a preliminary outline in March 2016, which launched a broad public consultation. The final proposal in 2017 was shaped by extensive feedback from EU institutions, national governments, social partners, and civil society.

The Pillar builds upon a strong existing legal foundation, drawing inspiration from:

• The European Social Charter (1961)
• The Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers (1989)
• The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
• The case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030

It is part of the broader discussion on the future of the EU, linked to the Commission's White Paper on the Future of Europe and the reflection paper on the social dimension of Europe.

Main Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the EPSR is to deliver new and more effective rights for citizens, addressing the social consequences of the economic crisis, the future of work, demographic changes, and economic divergence. It aims to foster a highly competitive social market economy with full employment and social progress. Key objectives include:

• Promoting upward convergence of working and living conditions.
• Ensuring fair and resilient labour markets and welfare systems.
• Strengthening the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
• Serving as a guide for policy-making, particularly within the European Semester.

Who It Applies To

The Pillar is directed at EU Member States, particularly those in the euro area, but is open to all. Its principles and rights are relevant to citizens, public authorities (local, regional, and national), social partners (employers and trade unions), and businesses at all levels.

Key Dates and Timeline

• September 9, 2015: President Juncker announces the initiative.
• March 2016: The Commission presents a preliminary outline and launches a public consultation.
• January 23, 2017: A high-level conference concludes the consultation process.
• April 26, 2017: The Commission adopts the Communication establishing the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• November 17, 2017: The Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the Pillar was jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission.

Key Provisions and Requirements

The Pillar is structured around 20 key principles and rights divided into three main categories:

1. Equal opportunities and access to the labour market

This includes education, training, and lifelong learning; gender equality; equal opportunities; and active support to employment.

2. Fair working conditions

This covers secure and adaptable employment, fair wages, information about employment conditions and protection in case of dismissals, social dialogue and involvement of workers, work-life balance, and healthy, safe, and well-adapted work environments.

3. Social protection and inclusion

This category includes childcare and support to children, social protection, unemployment benefits, minimum income, old age income and pensions, healthcare, inclusion of people with disabilities, long-term care, housing and assistance for the homeless, and access to essential services.

Obligations and Affected Parties

The principles and rights of the Pillar are not directly enforceable. Their implementation is a shared responsibility and requires translation into specific actions and/or legislation at the appropriate level (EU, national, regional, or local). The EU's role is to set the framework, give direction, and establish a level playing field.

Affected Actors and Processes:

• National Governments and Public Authorities: Primarily responsible for implementing the principles through national policies and legislation.
• Social Partners: Expected to play a key role in areas like labour law, wages, and working conditions through social dialogue.
• Businesses: Affected by policies and laws derived from the Pillar's principles concerning employment conditions, work-life balance, and health and safety.
• EU Institutions: Responsible for updating and enforcing EU law where necessary, providing policy guidance (e.g., through the European Semester), and offering financial support via EU funds like the European Social Fund.

Penalties and Enforcement

As a framework of principles, the EPSR does not contain direct penalties. Enforcement is achieved through various mechanisms:

• Monitoring: A Social Scoreboard tracks trends and performances across countries to monitor progress.
• Policy Guidance: The principles are integrated into the European Semester of economic policy coordination, influencing country-specific recommendations.
• Legislation: The Pillar guides the development of new EU legislation and the enforcement of the existing acquis (e.g., initiatives on work-life balance, access to social protection, and working time).