The European Pillar of Social Rights is finally proclaimed
by Catherine MALLET
The European Pillar of Social Rights has officially been proclaimed and was jointly signed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on 17 November 2017, at the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg, Sweden.
“Today we commit ourselves to a set of 20 principles and rights. From the right to fair wages to the right to health care; from lifelong learning, a better work-life balance and gender equality to minimum income: with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU stands up for the rights of its citizens in a fast-changing world”.
President Juncker on the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, 17 November 2017
The Pillar of Social Rights is about delivering new and more effective rights for citizens. It builds upon 20 key principles, structured around three categories:
- Equal opportunities and access to the labour market
- Fair working conditions
- Social protection and inclusion
To begin supporting the implementation of some of the principles, The European Commission has put forward a number of legislative and non-legislative initiatives related to work-life balance, the information of workers, access to social protection and working time.
The Pillar should in theory benefit Roma and other vulnerable groups by helping to refocus Member States on the need to prevent and reverse social exclusion, although The Salvation Army was disappointed to see that this does not extend to those who are undocumented.
Read more about the European Pillar of Social Rights HERE
Tags: Europe