Publication of the annual report by the Social Protection Committee.

RD – 11/2019

The Social Protection Committee (SPC) has published its annual report on the social situation and development of the social protection policy in the Member States. Based on a number of key indicators, the report analyses the progress made in the realization of the “Europe 2020 Objective” aiming to reduce poverty and social exclusion as well as the latest social tendencies that can be observed. Furthermore, the latest sociopolitical developments as well as the most important structural challenges in social matters posed in individual Members States are presented. One of the goals of the SPC Annual Report 2019 is to provide the European Council with an analysis geared at determining the most important sociopolitical priorities. It is intended to serve the European Commission when preparing its Annual Growth Survey 2020.

More importantly, the methodology applied and the different parameters were described to clarify the empirical way of working. A fundamental tool for extracting information is offered by the “Social Protection Performance Monitor” (SPPM) and Members States’ reporting.

A review of national reform programmes 2019 shows that Member States’ endeavours concentrate on the inclusion approach. Among other things, Members States focus on the integration of those furthest away from the labour market and on ensuring social security. Some Members States implement e.g. participant programmes aiming to improve employability, especially of adolescents, the elderly and the disabled. Furthermore, they take measures to improve the coverage and adequacy of social benefits, to set minimum wage rules and level out regional differences.

Owing to the favourable economic environment and the positive implications of EU and Members States policy, a long-lasting and far-reaching improvement of the social situation can be observed across Europe. Although the most recent social developments are mostly positive, SPC’s analysis also shows that it is unlikely to reach the Europe 2020 Objective in respect of poverty and social exclusion.

The separate annexe to the report, the "SPPM Country Profile“, helps deal thoroughly with this subject matter with regard to each Member State.

Background

The SPC is a consultative political body for the ministers who meet at the Council on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO). It serves to bring together policymakers from all EU-Member States and the Commission in order for them to react to the various challenges the Member States are confronted with. This implies the use of the Open Method Of Coordination For Social Protection And Social Inclusion (social OMC) which aims to achieve the goals the EU has set in the field of social policy. All major fields of social policy are included: social protection and social inclusion, retirement income, health care and long-term care.