Making a reality of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the "Social Pillar") will require improvements in Member States and a robust budgetary base, investment and current spending.
More public investment within Member States can be facilitated by reference to a Golden Rule for public investment with a social objective, which would allow more flexibility in budget rules with a view to achieving the aims of the European Pillar of Social Rights. More public investment can also be supported by the use of existing EU instruments, especially the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs), and by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). This support should explicitly include objectives linked to the Social Pillar.
Download — Parere del CESE: Funding the European Pillar of Social Rights (own-initiative opinion)
At its December 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion supporting the European Commission’s proposals for the AgoraEU and Justice programmes for 2028–2034. The EESC calls for robust support for civil society, enhanced democratic participation, and a stronger European Area of Justice, in the pursuit of a free and democratic Europe.
At its December 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an own-initiative opinion calling for urgent action to strengthen labour rights for journalists and media professionals across Europe. The EESC’s message is clear: decent working conditions are essential to safeguard the independence of journalism and ensure citizens’ access to reliable, pluralist, and truthful information.
The EESC Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) marked Gender Equality Week 2025 with a key debate on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “My Voice, My Choice,” which calls for safe and accessible abortion across the European Union. The event brought together campaigners, legal experts, Members of the European Parliament, and representatives from the European Commission to address the urgent challenge of ensuring reproductive rights and solidarity for all women in Europe.
The EESC Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) marked Gender Equality Week 2025 with a pivotal debate on banning conversion practices in the European Union. The event brought together voices from EU institutions, civil society, LGBTIQ+ organisations and policy experts to address the urgent challenge of eradicating conversion practices and ensuring the protection and dignity of all LGBTIQ+ people across Europe.
The EESC hosted a high-level conference on 13 November 2025, entitled “Building the workforce of tomorrow: inclusive participation and quality jobs for a competitive Europe.” The event brought together EU policymakers, social partners, researchers, and civil society to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s labour market, with a focus on two flagship reports.
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.
At its September 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on the EU Employment Guidelines, urging Member States to accelerate efforts on inclusion, skills, and productivity to ensure a fair and competitive labour market for all.
At its September 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a pioneering opinion on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in rare disease diagnosis and treatment. It sets out a comprehensive vision for harnessing digital innovation to improve the lives of rare disease patients.
At its September 2025 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted a forward-looking opinion on achieving the EU’s “Zero Deaths” goal in workplace health and safety. It sets out a comprehensive vision for occupational safety and health (OSH) in a rapidly changing world of work.
