EAPN presents its members’ response to the Social Fairness Package, Making a difference for people in poverty? Described as ‘the last major social initiative of the Juncker Commission’, it should be a next step in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The main elements of this Package are: an overarching Communication about the monitoring of the implementation of the Pillar (mainly through the European Semester and EU funds), proposals for a Council Recommendation on extending access to social protection to all workers and a Regulation establishing a European Labour Authority. A third legislative proposal, on a European Social Security Number, has been delayed to later this year.
Overall, EAPN members welcome the Social Fairness Package as an important step forward in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. We are, however, disappointed about the retreat from hard legislation that would have obligatorily enforced adequate social protection as well as employment rights. We especially regret the decision to replace the initial legislative proposal on access to social protection with a non-mandatory Council Recommendation.
Along with outlining the elements of the Package, a short analysis of the Communication on the Pillar’s implementation, Council Recommendation on social protection & Labour Authority Regulation is included, and the following messages are detailed in the paper:
Key Messages & Recommendations
- Adopt a clear Road Map/Action Plan delivered through the Semester
- Support the Council Recommendation on Access to Social Protection, as a first step to mandatory rights for all!
- Ensure progress towards an EU framework directive to guarantee adequate minimum income
- Not a cent less for Cohesion: 30% of ESF+ dedicated to the fight against poverty and social exclusion
- Make partnership with Civil Society a reality in all EU and national processes!
See also the webpage of our annual policy conference: Social Protection for All!
