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<\/p>\nLast July 22, the European Commission adopted a Communication\u00a0on the\u00a0European Pillar of Social Rights. It confirms that the Pillar remains the EU’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of fast transformation, for a Europe that protects and empowers citizens. The Communication assesses progress made in strengthening social rights across the EU and identifies concrete priorities for further action. It also charts the way for anticipating and managing structural change, so as to seize the opportunities of ongoing transformations and ensure that Europe’s social model continues to deliver fairness and prosperity.<\/p>\n
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The Communication highlights three areas which require urgent, additional attention. New and rapidly evolving, these are complementary to ongoing Commission initiatives on jobs, skills, mobility and poverty reduction: addressing affordability and the cost of living; harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of work and shared prosperity; and reducing inequalities and expanding fairness and equal opportunities.<\/p>\n
Ursula<\/strong>\u00a0von der Leyen<\/strong>, President of the European Commission, said:\u00a0\u201cOur social model is one of our greatest strengths. As technological shifts transform our daily lives, and as rising costs put pressure on households across our Union, we stand firm in our commitment to fairness, opportunity and solidarity. The European Pillar of Social Rights is our compass \u2013 setting the course for a stronger Social Europe that protects, empowers and supports our citizens.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Key areas for fairer labour markets and stronger welfare systems<\/strong><\/p>\n As many households continue to face high costs for housing, energy, services and essential goods, the Commission will continue supporting measures that reduce the risk of poverty and strengthen access to essential services.<\/p>\n Since the adoption of the\u00a0EU Directive, minimum wages have increased significantly across the EU, as highlighted in its upcoming monitoring report. Quality jobs are one clear answer to the affordability pressures facing many in Europe.<\/p>\n Significant talent remains untapped outside the labour market. Facilitating the transition from inactivity to work matters not only for labour market inclusion and competitiveness, but also for reducing poverty and exclusion.<\/p>\n To this end, and with a view to exploring possible further measures, in full respect of subsidiarity, the Commission is launching a first-phase consultation of EU social partners on the possible direction of an EU action on activation of people facing significant barriers to employment. This consultation will directly inform the Commission’s work in tackling poverty, exclusion, labour market inclusion, and competitiveness.<\/p>\n The rapid development and adoption of AI is transforming labour markets, offering major opportunities for innovation, productivity, learning and growth – but raising also important critical questions about the future of jobs, education, skills, social inclusion and public services.<\/p>\n The Communication acknowledges the urgency for Europe to be ready for these profound changes, ensuring that citizens, workers and businesses fully benefit from AI’s potential. To this end, the Commission will establish a new high-level group on the impact of AI on the labour market.<\/p>\n\n
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