"Towards a European Pillar of Effective Social Rights. Submission to the European Commission"

The European Social Policy Network (ESPN), a 35-country research network managed by LISER, has prepared a substantial contribution to the debate on the EU Social Pillar initiative.

The European Social Policy Network (ESPN), a 35-country research network managed by LISER, has prepared a substantial contribution to the debate on the EU Social Pillar initiative.

The document analyses the European Commission’s proposal for a European Pillar of Social Rights. It was prepared by and at the initiative of the ESPN. It puts forward several suggestions on how to improve the credibility, clarity and impact of the proposed Pillar.

Section 1 of the ESPN contribution discusses some overarching reflections on the approach adopted in the Commission’s proposal. Section 2 looks at the issue of adequate and sustainable social protection, which is the main area of expertise of ESPN experts. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the principles set out by the commission and makes concrete suggestions as to how they might be strengthened in the future Pillar.  Finally, Section 3 identifies some of the challenges that the Pillar will have to address if it is to be more than an aspirational document.  Specific suggestions are made as to how the principles in the Pillar might be put into effect if it is to have a real impact on strengthening Social Europe.