On Wednesday, April 26, the European executive, represented by Marianne Thyssen, the commissioner for Social Affairs, unveiled its foundation of social rights.
More concretely, the Commission states that “all Europeans must have equal access to the job market, have the right to fair working conditions, and enjoy adequate social protection.”
A set of 20 key principles that revolve “around the right to access the job market, fair working conditions, and social protection.”
An unprecedented initiative, planned long ago and intended to respond to citizens rejecting the EU’s liberal model.
The observation is clear: populism thrives on social divide. Thus, the Commission is making “proposals to strengthen the social rights of all Europeans,” affirmed Marianne Thyssen.
The European executive also hopes to tackle inequalities, particularly between men and women, social dumping, and to counter populist narratives by shaping minimum standards applicable everywhere.
This series of recommendations, however, lacks legislative value: “As such, the pillar does not affect existing principles and rights,” the Commission specifies. “But it aims to make them more visible and understandable for citizens.”
The risk is that the foundation might be limited to the eurozone and not include the Eastern countries, where social standards are lower.
Even if this likely means moving towards a multi-speed Europe, there will certainly be a general advancement with an upward pull effect.
Indeed, several member states “are not enthusiastic about engaging in large-scale increased integration.” That’s why Ms. Thyssen expressed her readiness to engage only with the countries that are willing.
