EC adopts European Pillar of Social Rights

The European Commission on Wednesday adopted the European Pillar of Social Rights which aims to build a fairer Europe.

The pillar sets out 20 key principles and rights to support fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems in Europe, according to the commission.

The principles and rights enshrined in the pillar are structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion.

The commission said that it will take many actions, such as providing guidance and monitoring member states as regards to tax-benefit systems detrimental to women participation in the labour market, ensuring better enforcement of existing rights and protection under current EU law and using European funding to invest in actions/measures that will enhance work-life balance in member states.

The commission will now enter into discussions with the European Parliament and the European Council to work towards broad political support and high-level endorsement of the pillar.

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said that he would like to see the pillar endorsed at the highest political level before the end of this year.