by the EESC's Workers' Group
A study carried out by the European Social Observatory for the European Economic and Social Committee at the request of the Workers' Group.
The Social Pillar has the potential to ensure new citizens' rights, something badly needed after years of crisis and austerity. But in what state is the Social Pillar? Has it had an impact already? What is the path to follow?
The European Union needs a strong social dimension to balance the dominant economic perspective, and the Pillar covers these key factors among its principles. The overall perception of the Pillar is positive, but with concerns about its non-binding nature and particularly about the funding, for which earmarked resources from the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be crucial.
The study found that the pillar has already had a significant impact on the 2018 European Semester, with the Social Scoreboard being a positive step, despite some need of refinement.
As for recommendations, the study finds it important to ensure decent minimum wages, and even more important to ensure a living wage, one that ensures that workers can actually survive on it. The authors propose the at-risk-of-poverty rate as a guide to establish living wages while adapting to specific national situations. (pr)
The study is available here