European Commission publishes first plan for Social Europe

On 14 January, Valdis Dombovskis, Vice-President for an Economy that works for People, and Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights announced the publication of a Communication on "A strong social Europe for just transitions". The document lays out the Commission's roadmap for its initiatives in the field of social policy during its mandate. 

ESIP welcomes the recognition of the long-standing role of welfare states in ensuring fairness in the EU's social market economy, and the contribution of public health to improving and prolonging lives. 

At the same time, as the European Commission's ambition is to transition to a carbon-neutral economy, transformed by digitalisation and demographic changes, social protection schemes are more relevant than ever, to continue to ensure the welfare of EU citizens. As recognised in the Communication, inequalities persists, and better access to health and social protection should be priorities. The adaptation of social security systems to a new labour market, with more irregular work patterns and atypical employment statuses, should also be at the core of the EU's social agenda. 

ESIP will follow closely the future initiatives proposed, including the Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Gender Equality and Disability strategies, the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, the Child Guarantee and the Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme, among other initiatives of interest.

As the EU-level voice of national social security schemes, we will aim at providing our  expertise to the EU institutions to ensure that the future initiatives provide the best support possible to ensure that social protection across the EU is future-proof. 

Find out more about our proposals to the EU institutions are available in our memorandum for the EU 2019-2024