At the opening of the Employment and Social Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday 23 October, the EU ministers responsible for employment and social affairs gave the go-ahead for the adoption of the inter-institutional proclamation on the European pillar of social rights. This proclamation will take place at the Gothenburg Social Summit
Last April, in addition to a number of initiatives, the European Commission presented a European pillar of social rights, which needed to be adopted by the European Parliament, European Commission and EU Council. The aim of the pillar is to provide a more decisive boost to the project for creating a social Europe, as sought by President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junker. The pillar is based around 20 principles in three main areas: equal opportunities and labour market access, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion (see EUROPE 11775).
The Estonian Presidency of the EU Council has not amended the principles but has simply modified the preamble to the proclamation in an effort to clarify the legal status of the text and emphasise its non-binding character, given that its principles are not translated into separate legislation focusing on its application. Neither are there any precisions provided regarding the level of decision-making in this connection. Reference has also been made to social partners according to the respective national systems (see EUROPE 11888).
The majority of delegations welcomed the green light provided by the Council to the Social Pillar and called for a clear commitment to be made by member states for implementing the principles included in this pillar. Certain delegations, however, whilst supporting the proclamation, expressed a number of reservations. These countries include Hungary, Poland and Denmark. Denmark presented a written statement, of which EUROPE has obtained a copy in which Copenhagen emphasises that: - the social pillar does not make a commitment to new legal rights or obligations but does set out guidelines for the member states; - the competencies in the field of employment and social affairs remain within the scope of the member states and the pillar does not involve extending the scope of Union competencies. Denmark highlights the need to respect the autonomy of the social partners at all the different levels. This statement was supported during the talks, at least verbally, by Hungary and Poland.
EPP satisfied... EPP spokesperson Tom Vandenkendelere welcomed the Council agreement and saw it “as a step forward” for guaranteeing equal access to the labour market and fair and appropriate working conditions. He believes it necessary to adapt the social framework to new forms of employment linked to expansion in digitisation and automation. "This is a guide, a compass for future legislation to enable Europe and the member states to harmonise their social policy”, he stated.
...trade unions satisfied too. Esther Lynch, the confederal secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), welcomed the agreement reached by ministers and their determination to “set aside their differences”. The trade union leader also called on member states to adopt the pillar at the Gothenburg summit on 17 November and, particularly, to then implement it immediately. She said that the commitment that had been made only had value if it was implemented and that they needed to improve parental leave, job security and at a more general level, working conditions. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)