European leaders from the Member States are preparing to adopt a declaration at the end of the Porto Social Summit on 7-8 May that follows to the letter the broad lines of the action plan on the implementation of the European pillar of social rights, according to a provisional version seen by EUROPE on Wednesday 28 April.
The draft declaration, in its opening lines, mentions the importance of European solidarity in the context of the pandemic, recalling that European action has protected “millions” of jobs and businesses, citing, among other things, the massive Next Generation EU Recovery Plan.
It also recognises the importance of the European pillar of social rights in the economic recovery from the health crisis, but also in smoothing the structural effects of the dual green and digital transition.
The text supports the revision of the social scoreboard as part of the ‘European Semester’ budget process to monitor the implementation of the pillar. Nevertheless, it insists on the need to take into account national specificities.
The draft declaration reaffirms the role of the social partners in a “highly competitive social market economy”, but also the importance of developing quality jobs and helping workers to acquire new skills in connection with the green and digital transition.
On the anti-poverty front, the declaration highlights the fight against child poverty and better care for the elderly, the disabled and the homeless.
Furthermore, the text intends to redouble its efforts to combat discrimination against women and reiterates its commitment to reducing pay and pension inequalities.
The issue of youth is also mentioned, especially in light of the impact of the pandemic. The statement goes on to stress the importance of monitoring progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and targets (see EUROPE 12668/6). However, it is not stated in the text whether these objectives are to be achieved.
The text concludes with the European social dialogue and the presentation of indicators complementary to GDP to reflect social, environmental and economic developments, always with the aim of ensuring “inclusive and sustainable” growth.
Another statement is being prepared for the first day of the summit with the social partners and civil society (see EUROPE 12697/22).
The draft declaration was discussed by the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU in the Committee of Permanent Representatives II (Coreper II) on Wednesday 28 April. The content of the exchanges was not yet known at the time of writing.
To access the draft version: https://bit.ly/3vw2kSF (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)