Social rights in Europe: Agreement on a new integration package!

Social rights in Europe: Agreement on a new integration package!

Current developments in Austrian politics show progress in the coalition talks. According to reports from the Small newspaper Work is already underway on an “integration package” that will include faster access to the labor market and benefits in kind for asylum seekers. In addition, a withdrawal of Turquoise-Blue's social security reform could be considered. The talks aim to not only reach agreement by December 12th, but also to clarify open questions and identify irreconcilable differences.

In the health sector, a guarantee of appointments for doctor's visits is required, while reforms within the judiciary, especially with regard to the top management, are also sought. The subgroups of coalition negotiators should have completed their talks by the deadline in order to present the results to the steering group, which also includes leading representatives of trade unions and business. Such policy measures are important to promote social cohesion and support for particularly disadvantaged groups in the country.

European Pillar of Social Rights

If you look at the social progress in Europe, it brings EU important initiatives with the European Pillar of Social Rights. These principles are intended to improve living and working conditions in the Member States and include the promotion of employment and access to social security. A central goal is to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and to guarantee high-quality working conditions. The EU also promotes dialogue between employers and employees to achieve sustainable economic stability and social inclusion.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, special measures have been taken to address the social and employment consequences, including funds to support jobs and combat poverty. The ongoing European Social Pillar Action Plan aims to achieve higher employment rates and improve social safety nets in Member States by 2030.