The European Pillar of Social Rights

The European Committee of the Regions adopted an Opinion in October 2016 regarding the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The CoR welcomes the decision of the European Commission to launch a consultation on a pillar of social rights as a new initiative was much needed in this field. The emphasises that closer coordination of economic and fiscal policies in the Eurozone must go hand in hand with full consideration of the social dimension to the EMU.

It also asks that greater emphasis be placed on the financing of social policy, which is a particular challenge for local and regional authorities, and highlights the need for closer cooperation between the different levels of government, sectors and stakeholders.

Lastly, the Committee insists that the European pillar of social rights should consider a priority the need for universal access to quality welfare systems and public services, while urging the Commission to support Member States in their efforts to modernise social protection systems within the framework of the European Semester.

ESO: Background information: European Pillar of Social Rights for a more social Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-pillar-of-social-rights-for-a-more-social-europe/

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