ETUI and OSE present report on the current state of Euro­pean social policy.

On 3rd April, the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the European Social Observatory (OSE) organised an event on the future of social Europe, at which they presented their new report ‘Social policy in the European Union: state of play 2024’. Against the backdrop of a recognisable change of priorities in the European Commission, the report sheds light on the current state of European social policy. It becomes clear: The Commission is increasingly focussing on issues such as competitiveness and security - while the protection of social rights appears to be losing importance. Against this backdrop, the report takes stock of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's first term in office and takes a critical look at the changing role of social policy within Europe.

Successes of Ursula von der Leyen's first term in office

One of the successes of Ursula von der Leyen's first term in office was the improved labour market situation. Overall, career opportunities have improved significantly and higher quality jobs have been created, according to the report. Furthermore, the directive on platform work is emphasised as a great success and milestone. It would immensely strengthen the rights of platform workers and significantly reduce the risk of slipping into bogus self-employment. It is now up to the member states to define more precisely what constitutes employment.

Europe in tran­si­tion - migra­tion and popu­la­tion decline

The report also attaches particular importance to the topic of migration. In view of the predicted decline in the population and the associated shortage of skilled labour within the European Union (EU), the pressure to migrate will continue to increase. In view of this pressure, the EU faces significant challenges that must be met with appropriate measures.

Economic gover­nance reform

The report analyses the reform of the economic governance framework in detail and in particular discusses the potential impact on the national social policies of the individual member states. The report recognises some progress compared to the previous framework, but is cautious about the actual impact of the reform on social Europe.

Social invest­ment - a contri­bu­tion to Euro­pean compet­i­tive­ness?

The report emphasises that social investment is necessary in order to lead Europe into a successful future in view of the paradigm shift towards security and competitiveness that is taking place. Furthermore, it becomes clear that social sector reforms through social investment could be seen as crucial for the EU's economic growth. Social investment, including in the area of social security, has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving equal opportunities in the labour market and promoting economic growth.

Outlook

The report questions the extent to which the EU is able to reconcile security and competitiveness with the demand for social progress and a fair, green transition to climate neutrality. In view of the current crises and challenges, it remains to be seen whether the social achievements of Ursula von der Leyen's first term of office will be sustainable in the long term.