Council gives green light to proclamation by the institutions on the European Pillar of Social Rights

Background and further information:

The Pillar is a political commitment and provides guidance to the Member States and the EU Institutions. It aims at strengthening the social acquis and delivering more effective rights to citizens. It focuses on employment and social aspects and at making the Eurp[ean social model fit for the challenges of the 21st century.

The objective of the Pillar is to contribute to social progress by supporting fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. It sets out 20 principles and rights, divided into three categories:

+ Equal opportunities and access to the labour market;
+ Dynamic labour markets and fair working conditions;
+ Public support / social protection and inclusion

The European Pillar of Social Rights was launched by the European Commission in April 2017. Since there was consensus between the three Institutions on the joint text, the proclamation was scheduled to be signed by the three institutions during a Summit on jobs and growth held in Gothenburg in November 2017.

The Council of the European Union approved unanimously on 23 October 2017 the interinstitutional proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights.

• Primary Source

Luxemburger Wort, 24.10.17: Commission 'welcomes' moves to improve workers' rights https://www.wort.lu/en/politics/labour-commission-welcomes-moves-to-improve-workers-rights-59ef47b056202b51b13c5c50

European Commission: Press Release, 24.10.17: Commission welcomes the Council's endorsement of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its general approach to reform the Posting of Workers Directive http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-4068_en.htm

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