In July 2026, the Commission adopted a Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights, renewing its commitment to Social Europe ahead of the Pillar’s 10th anniversary in 2027. The Pillar aims to empower and protect EU citizens against crises, create fairer labour markets and stronger welfare systems as well as prepare for new challenges ahead. The Communication reviews progress in strengthening social rights across the EU. It also sets out priorities for further action where more needs to be done.
The Communication confirms the EU’s commitment to implementing the Pillar and highlights 3 priority areas for upcoming actions.
- Addressing affordability:
- launched a consultation of social partners on activating persons facing barriers to employment, including on equality between women and men in labour market opportunities,
- propose a Quality Jobs Act
- consult EU countries and stakeholders on a possible post-2030 target on job quality,
- develop new indicators on affordability and poverty
- present a European Care Deal addressing long-term care workforce challenges
- Reducing inequalities:
- present the Right to Stay Strategy so people can thrive where they choose to live
- adopt a Youth Strategy
- adopt a vocational education and training (VET) strategy
- Harnessing AI for the future of work:
- set up a High Level Experts Group on the impact of AI on the labour market
- help workplaces adopt algorithmic management tools responsibly
The Pillar has played a key role in helping the EU respond to recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the rising cost of living. It was followed by several important pieces of legislation such as the EU Work-life Balance Directive, the Care Strategy, Child Guarantee and the Anti-Poverty Strategy, all crucial in shaping family well-being and creating and advancing a more inclusive, fair and resilient Europe.
COFACE Families Europe has been closely engaged with the European Pillar of Social Rights since its development, contributing to discussions that helped shape the Pillar and advocating for a strong social dimension that reflects the realities and needs of families across Europe. As the European Pillar of Social Rights continues to evolve, COFACE remains actively engaged in shaping its future and will closely monitor the upcoming initiatives.
Read more about the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan here.
