On Wednesday 11 October in an opinion on the pillar of social rights elaborated by Mauro D'Attis (EPP, Italy), the Committee of the Regions (CoR) called for the implementation of an Italian proposal to introduce a European unemployment insurance scheme as a means of tackling unemployment.
This involves an amendment from the PES, which was voted for during the CoR plenary. In this amendment, members call for a European unemployment insurance fund to be set up as part of the pillar on social rights. The goal of this fund would be to mitigate the negative impact of economic crises and prevent unemployment provoked by the economic situation becoming structural. According to a document from the Italian Treasury published two years ago, there will be no need to change the treaties.
CoR members also highlight the key role of cohesion policy “as a long-term investment policy” for the gradual implementation of the European social agenda, particularly the “youth guarantee”. Mr D’Attis explains that the social pillar is part of “a commitment and responsibility shared between the Union, its member states, local and regional authorities and social partners”. The CoR is therefore calling for the European pillar of social rights to support the regional authorities in their efforts to implement their respective social policies.
It also calls on the Commission to implement measures to encourage countries in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) to undertake reforms to achieve their EUROPE 2020 strategy objectives. CoR is also requesting that wages help avoid the phenomenon of the working poor and guarantee universal and affordable access to the social services.
The inter-institutional proclamation approving the European pillar of social rights is expected to be adopted at the Employment and Social Policy Council (EPSCO) on 23 October next. In contrast to the Committee of the Regions, which proposes in its opinion (which is not binding) to amend some of the 20 principles listed by the European Commission, the Council does not intend to change it and is content with the proclamation as it stands (see EUROPE 11828). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)