The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a first conference on Thursday 28 March on the implementation of the European pillar of social rights with a view to preparing an opinion prepared by Bernd Schlüter and Cinzia Del Rio.
During the discussions, the various speakers welcomed the first tangible effects of the European platform, adopted at the end of 2017 (see EUROPE 11906/2, 11907/1), with the adoption of a series of legislative acts in particular, the most emblematic of which are the directive on the balance between professional and private life and the directive on working conditions.
Some speakers stressed the need to continue the inclusion of social issues in the ‘European Semester’ and the budgetary process to support economic and especially social convergence. Some pointed out that it is necessary for budgetary recommendations to be well adapted to national situations and, to this end, to better integrate civil society and the social partners into the process.
Several expressed concern that this foundation could gradually be translated into the application of the same solution to very different situations. They also feared that, little by little, somewhat “aboveground” actions would be taken. The role of the social partners was once again highlighted because of their knowledge of the field.
The question of communication on the basis of social rights was discussed, some having stressed that this was an asset for communicating on the social dimension of the Union. However, some regretted the lack of a “global strategy” and the lack of coordination with the national, even regional and local levels.
The objective of the opinion is to send a series of recommendations to the next European institutions after the European elections to continue the implementation of the Platform. A total of three conferences are expected to be held with a view to adopting the opinion in July. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)