Background
On 17 November 2017, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017.
The European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) is an initiative launched by the European Commission with ambitious aims; to bring back the social dimension of the EU, rebalance economic policies with social considerations, reconnect with European citizens, while at the same time addressing key issues related to changes in the world of work and society more generally, promoting higher social standards
The Pillar comprises 20 headline rights, outlining the rights persons living within the EU should expect. Whilst the Pillar does not give the European Union more power or competences, but aims to be a tool to promote social rights with joint collaboration and responsibility of the European institutions together with Member States, civil society, social actors and social partners. All EU countries agreed to implement the 20 principles in November 2017.
Action Plan
The Social Summit in Porto on 7-8 May 2021, organised by the Portuguese Council Presidency, saw the EU institutions reaffirm their commitment and ambition to put people first in Europe’s recovery and to implement the Pillar. On 7 May, three 2030 headline targets were adopted through the Commission’s European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan in a joint Porto Social Commitment, whilst on On 8 May, the members of the European Council adopted the Porto Declaration on social affairs. On 25 June, the European Council welcomed the EU headline targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, in line with the Porto Declaration.
The Pillar of Social Rights and the Action Plan can be downloaded below.