Faith-based actors and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights

The European Pillar of Social Rights was jointly proclaimed and signed by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council at the Gothenburg Social Summit in November 2017.

The 20 principles and rights that made up the Social Pillar build on the existing social acquis, i.e. social mandate contained in binding provisions of EU law, and should serve as a 'compass' for the renewal of current labour markets and welfare systems across the European Union (EU). Their implementation was largely the responsibility of the Member States in cooperation with the social partners and with the support of the European Union.

Faith-based organisations were similar to voluntary organisations, i.e. civil society associations, third sector organisations and non-profit organisations. Some were inspired by religious values without being formally linked to religious institutions. They played an important role in addressing social problems, particularly in relation to under-served populations. They often cooperated with secular organisations and contributed to the welfare state.

In the EU context, there was no distinction between faith-based and secular organisations, when it came to policy development, programme implementation or funding. Faith-based organisations had welcomed the Social Pillar and had emphasised in particular the role they could play in its implementation at grassroots level.

Not only could they provide services, they could also help to devise strategies and funding schemes by connecting local, national and European actors. There were still a lot of gaps in the evaluation of their activities, however, which made it difficult to quantify their real contribution to the functioning of the welfare state.

ESO: Find further information in ESO on the European Pillar of Social Rights http://www.europeansources.info/advSearchLink?keyword=european%20pillar%20social%20rights%20&searchOption=all

EP: EPRS: Briefing, November 2017: The EU and faith-based organisations in development and humanitarian aid http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-eu-and-faith-based-organisations-in-development-and-humanitarian-aid/

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