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Social rights in Europe: great progress or empty promises?
On December 6, 2024, we will report on progress on social reforms in the EU, including labor market access and social protection.
Social rights in Europe: great progress or empty promises?
The coalition talks in Austria are showing initial progress, as the Ö1 “Mittagsjournal” reports. The focus is on an “integration package” that provides faster access to the labor market for asylum seekers and benefits in kind instead of cash benefits. These measures could also result in a partial reversal of the Turquoise-Blue social security reform. There may even be a guarantee of appointments for doctor's visits in the healthcare sector, which would be a significant step for many. The negotiators also plan to reform the top management of the judiciary.
Important progress was also reported in the context of European integration. The 2021 European Action Plan, emerging from the European Pillar of Social Rights, reiterates the ambition to improve living and working conditions across the EU. These social rights, which also include access to the labor market, fair working conditions and social protection, are clearly anchored in the European cooperation treaties. Article 3 of the EU Treaty commits the Union to promoting full employment and social progress and ensures that all Member States cooperate in achieving these goals.
Important social achievements
Developments in recent years, particularly the creation of the European Social Fund and calls for higher minimum wages, make it clear that social justice and high levels of employment are at the heart of European policies. In May 2021, core targets for 2030 were announced, such as increasing the share of employment in the 20 to 64 age group to 78%. These initiatives aim to counteract the threat of social exclusion and strengthen social cohesion within the EU. By 2024, in view of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, targeted measures should be taken to support the most disadvantaged groups.
In summary, the progress in the coalition negotiations and the developments at the European level underline the importance of actively shaping and advancing social rights and integration. The reporting from, for example noen.at and information from europarl.europa.eu show that an exciting time of social reform has begun, both nationally and at European level.