EU Social Rights: new report reveals progress, gaps, and a call for renewed action

As the European Union approaches a pivotal review of its social policy agenda, a new report requested by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) offers a detailed snapshot of the state of play for the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). The findings highlight both significant advances and persistent challenges as the EU strives to meet its ambitious 2030 social targets.

The EPSR, launched in 2017, set out to strengthen the social dimension of the EU, promising fairer working conditions, better social protection, and greater inclusion. The 2021 Action Plan translated these principles into concrete actions, including four key directives: Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions, Work-Life Balance, Adequate Minimum Wages, and Gender Balance on Company Boards.

According to the recently-published EESC study, "European Pillar of Social Rights: State of play in 2024", most Member States have now transposed these directives into national law, though the journey has been far from uniform. As an accompanying "Country reports" document reveals, while countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden required only incremental adjustments thanks to their robust social systems, others faced the challenge of introducing entirely new rights and enforcement mechanisms. The report notes that political will, administrative capacity, and the strength of social dialogue have been decisive in shaping how each country has responded.

Tangible achievements

Among the most notable achievements, the report points to the widespread introduction of written contracts, stricter limits on probation periods, and new rights to flexible working and parental leave. In Poland, for example, the number of fathers taking parental leave has increased fivefold since the reforms, signalling a cultural shift in caregiving roles. Meanwhile, Ireland and Czechia have seen substantial increases in minimum wages, directly benefiting low-paid workers.

However, the study also reveals that progress remains uneven. Many Member States missed the initial deadlines for transposing the directives, and some—such as Spain for working conditions and Sweden for gender balance on boards—are still not fully compliant. Non-standard and platform workers are often left out of new protections, and enforcement remains a weak spot in several countries. Labour inspectorates and equality bodies are frequently under-resourced, and penalties for non-compliance are sometimes too low to deter violations.

Cultural barriers also persist. Despite legal advances, the uptake of family-related leave by men remains low in many countries, hampered by traditional gender norms and financial disincentives. The report highlights that legal rights alone are not enough to drive behavioural change; public awareness campaigns and workplace culture shifts are needed to ensure that new entitlements are actually used.

Good practices and lessons for the future

The EESC’s analysis identifies several good practices that could serve as models for others. Early and active involvement of trade unions and employer associations has led to smoother and more ambitious implementation in countries like Belgium and Denmark. Some governments have gone beyond the EU minimums, offering more generous leave or higher wage adequacy targets. Clear guidance, codes of practice, and accessible complaint mechanisms have also helped translate legal rights into practical benefits for workers.

The right timing: new Commission Work Programme and new EPSR Action Plan

The findings of the EPSR report come just before the European Commission adopted its Work Programme for 2026, setting out a vision for “Europe’s Independence Moment” and reaffirming the EU’s commitment to a strong social model under changing demographic and economic conditions. The new programme places a renewed emphasis on quality jobs, fair labour mobility, and social protection as essential pillars for Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.

The Commission also recently concluded its 2025 public consultation on the EPSR Action Plan that ran from June 18 to September 10, 2025. A new EPSR Action Plan is expected to be published by the end of this year, meaning the EESC report arrives at a particularly timely moment.  

The road ahead

Looking ahead, the EPSR report calls for a renewed push at both EU and national levels. It urges policymakers to extend protections to all forms of work, strengthen enforcement, invest in public awareness, and collect better data on the uptake of new rights. The study also recommends that EU funds be used strategically to support implementation, and that EPSR objectives be more firmly embedded in the EU’s economic governance frameworks.

With the new EPSR Action Plan's publication now fast-approaching, the report warns that the EU’s social ambitions remain at risk unless gaps are closed and momentum is maintained. While the EPSR has driven tangible improvements in working conditions, pay, and gender equality, the promise of a fairer, more inclusive Europe will only be realised if rights on paper become realities in people’s lives.