The Commission welcomes today’s judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union largely confirming that the Directive on adequate minimum wages stands on firm legal ground. Adequate minimum wages are essential for social fairness and a productive and inclusive economy. They help to protect workers’ purchasing power, reduce wage inequality and in-work poverty, support domestic demand and strengthen incentives to work. […]
Eurobarometer: Europeans back social economy and call for more support
A new special Eurobarometer published on 28 October shows that 75% of Europeans recognise the importance of the social economy for the well-being of society. Social economy organisations put people, communities and the environment first and play a crucial role in addressing social challenges. A significant majority support increased support for the social economy, in […]
Regions and cities call for specific measures to fight poverty in the EU
The CoR study highlights uneven progress and rising poverty in some developed EU member states, including France and Germany. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted an opinion on the forthcoming EU anti-poverty strategy at its plenary session on 14 October, following a debate with Roxana Minzatu, executive vice-president for social rights and empowerment. […]
European Parliament adopts rules for companies on human rights and the environment
Parliament on Wednesday gave the green light to new rules that will oblige companies to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and the environment. The European Parliament adopted with 374 votes in favour, 235 against and 19 abstentions the new Due Diligence Directive, agreed with the Council, which requires companies and their […]
Parliament backs women’s right to decide on their sexual and reproductive health
MEPs urge the Council to incorporate sexual and reproductive healthcare and the right to safe and legal abortion into the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In a resolution adopted on Thursday by 336 votes in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions, the House calls for enshrining abortion rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental […]
European Commission publishes June infringement proceedings package for Spain
The main decisions adopted by the Commission in relation to infringement proceedings in Spain are presented below. Jobs and social rights Reasoned opinions Employment: The Commission calls on GREECE, SPAIN and LUXEMBOURG to incorporate the Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions into national law The European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to […]
Europe improves working conditions on digital platforms
Today, the European Commission proposes a set of measures to improve the working conditions in platform work and to support the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the EU. The new rules will ensure that people working through digital labour platforms can enjoy the labour rights and social benefits they are entitled to. They […]
The renewed EU commitment to the fight against human trafficking must bring tangible results
The EESC broadly supports the new EU Strategy against trafficking in human beings 2021-2025, but also calls attention to the need of the social dimension to be incorporated into the policy. The new EU strategy on the fight to uproot trafficking displays a gap in terms of victims’ rights and social dimension. Trafficked people suffer […]