EESC delivers key recommendations for social unity and inclusive growth in Europe

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), at the request of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, has unveiled crucial recommendations aimed at bolstering social cohesion, managing debt and prioritising investments in healthcare and employment across Europe. The EESC expressed concern that tight budgets might slow down progress in fighting poverty and climate change.

The EESC put forward its recommendations in the opinion Boosting long-term inclusive growth through reforms and investments which was adopted and debated at its March plenary session with the Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit and the Belgian Minister of Pensions and Social Integration, Karine Lalieux.

These recommendations come at a pivotal time, as Europe navigates challenges posed by social disparities and Sustainable Development Goals. With proper reforms and tools, social investments will pay off in the long term and ensure a decent life for all Europeans.

The EESC underscored the need to align the proposed measures with existing frameworks such as the European Semester and the European Pillar of Social Rights. This alignment is deemed essential for effective coordination among Member States and transparent monitoring of national plans, both of which will improve the overall governance of social and economic policies within the EU.

Opening the debate during the plenary session, EESC president Oliver Röpke said that When discussing a solid strategic programme for Europe we cannot skip its social dimension. Our citizens demand that we step up our efforts to advance Social Europe and to safeguard their rights and well-being. Our commitment to the European Social Model remains crucial. The future is not just Europe; it is Social Europe.

The Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit said that The European Pillar of Social Rights is a fundamental instrument. Over the past five years, we have been transforming these 20 principles into policies, from adequate minimum wages to the Child Guarantee, from platform work to combating homelessness. Going forward, we will continue to focus on bringing more people into the labour market, especially women and migrants. Reskilling initiatives are vital for addressing technological developments. Reducing the risk of poverty will continue to be our priority as it undermines both social cohesion and economic stability.

The Belgian Minister for Pensions and Social Integration, Karine Lalieux pointed out just how urgent it is to create a truly inclusive Social Europe. Leaving people behind won't contribute to the development of our society. She stressed the need for concerted efforts to address the gender pension gap, homelessness and digital inclusion, reiterating the Belgian presidency’s commitment to place Social Europe at the forefront of EU debates.

In April, the Belgian presidency will hold a high-level conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights in La Hulpe, with a view to furthering the Pillar’s implementation. In January, it organised the Val Duchesse Social Partners’ Summit where the EU and the social partners pledged to bolster social dialogue in order to tackle labour challenges. The EESC has been invited to sign La Hulpe Declaration.

A central theme of the EESC opinion, prepared by EESC rapporteurs Wautier Robyns, Javier Doz Orrit and Luca Jahier, is the need to make more efficient use of financial resources, including by exploring public-private partnerships. The Committee also calls for the EU to have a financial capacity by 2026 supported by EU-wide guidelines and funding mechanisms, enabling the Union to address common priorities such as social investment and cyclical stabilisation.

The opinion highlights the need to align the European Semester with the European Pillar of Social Rights in order to strengthen the social dimension of economic governance.

The Committee points out that the social partners and civil society should be involved in decision-making processes and proposes enhancements to social protection systems geared to maximising the impact of social investments.

The EESC also underlines the importance of ensuring that there really is a just transition during the green and digital transformations, calling for a comprehensive EU policy framework to guarantee inclusivity.