Social rights in Europe: promise great progress or empty?

Social rights in Europe: promise great progress or empty?

Bratislava, Slowakei - The coalition talks in Austria show the first progress, as the Ö1 “lunch journal” reports. The focus is on an "integration package", which provides faster access to the labor market for asylum seekers and benefits in kind instead of cash benefits. These measures could also have a partial withdrawal of the social security reform turquoise-blue. Maybe there will even be a schedule for visits to the doctor in the health sector, which would be an important step for many. In addition, the negotiators plan to tackle a reform of the issue of instructions in the judiciary.

In the context of European integration, an important progress was also reported. The European Action Plan of 2021, which has emerged from the European pillar of social rights, confirms the endeavor to improve living and working conditions throughout the EU. These social rights, which also include access to the labor market, fair working conditions and social protection, are clearly anchored in the contracts for European cooperation. Article 3 of the EU Treaty obliges the Union to promote full employment and social progress and ensure that all Member States are working on the implementation of these goals.

important social achievements

The developments of recent years, in particular the creation of the European Social Fund and demands for higher minimum wages, make it clear that social justice and a high level of employment are the focus of European politics. In May 2021, core destinations for 2030 were announced, such as increasing the share of employment in the age group from 20 to 64 years to 78 %. These initiatives aim to counteract an impending social exclusion and to strengthen social cohesion within the EU. In view of the challenges caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, targeted measures are to be taken to support the most disadvantaged groups by 2024.

summarized, progress in the coalition negotiations and developments at European level underline the importance of actively shaping and promoting social rights and integration. The reporting of Noen.at href = "https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/de/sheet/52/social-and-employment-policy-general-principles"> europarl.europa.eu show that an exciting time of social reforms is common in both national and European terms.