The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, adopted in 2021 set common objectives for a fairer and more inclusive Europe. Together with EU countries, social partners and civil society, the EU is working to make social rights a reality across Europe.
The Pillar has played a key role in helping the EU respond to recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the rising cost of living. It has helped ensure that jobs were protected, income was supported and people continued to access essential services during periods of major disruption.
Across the different areas of the Pillar, the EU is tackling the challenges that lie ahead of us, empowering people and keeping Europe competitive and fit for the future.
Reducing poverty and strengthening social inclusion
Everyone should have the opportunity to live in dignity and take part in society. The EU is supporting EU countries to
A strong focus is placed on children, people experiencing homelessness and those most at risk of exclusion.
On 6 May 2026 the European Commission adopted the first ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, aiming to help eradicate poverty by 2050.
Union of Skills: Building skills for the future
The green and digital transitions are changing the world of work. The EU is helping people gain new skills, move between jobs and access lifelong learning opportunities.
At the same time, it is supporting businesses in finding workers with the skills they need.
Pact for SkillsMore than 10 million people have received training since its launch in 2020 to address skills shortages across Europe through coordinated partnerships between employers, workers and public authorities
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)185 000 workers across 20 EU countries received support to find a job after company restructuring
Effective Active Support to Employment (EASE)Helps EU countries and employment services support job transitions through training, hiring incentives and stronger employment services to match workers with labour market needs
Just transition supportProvides guidance to EU countries to help workers and regions adapt fairly to climate neutrality, supporting reskilling and new job opportunities in changing sectors
Talent and Skills Mobility PackageSupports labour mobility and helps attract skills within the EU and from abroad, including through the proposed EU Talent Pool to match employers with non-EU jobseekers in shortage occupations
Quality jobs: Making work fairer and more rewarding
Work should provide fair pay, safe conditions and real opportunities for progression. The EU is improving working conditions across sectors and adapting rules to new forms of work.
EU rules on adequate minimum wages help ensure that work provides a fair income.
The rules aim to
The platform economy is growing, but people working on digital labour platforms may not be getting the labour rights and social benefits they are entitled to, such as sickness and accident insurance, minimum wages, paid leave and unemployment benefit.
EU rules on improving the working conditions of people working through platforms aim to
- clarify the employment status of workers on digital platforms
- increase transparency in the use of algorithms
- ensure human monitoring of automated decisions
- grant the right to contest automated decisions and rectify them where needed
Young people should have the opportunity to build a successful future. The EU helps EU countries improve access to education, training and quality jobs, giving young people the skills they need to thrive.
The EU is also improving the quality of traineeships and working conditions for trainees, while promoting equal opportunities so that no one is left behind.
Closing the gender gap
In the EU, women earn 11% less than men for the same job. EU rules help to close the pay gap by increasing pay transparency.
- Employers will have to provide information about the initial pay level or its range in the job vacancy notice or before the job interview
- Employees will have the right to request information from their employer on their individual pay level and on the average pay levels
- Employers with at least 100 employees will have to publish information on the pay gap between female and male workers
New EU rules will also improve gender balance in corporate decision-making positions, requiring that women either hold
- at least 40% of non-executive director posts or
- 33% of all director posts in big publicly listed companies
By funding early child care projects, the EU is also helping women return to the labour market.
Ensuring a safe workplace
EU laws guarantee workers a safe working environment. In 2021, the Commission adopted the EU Strategic Framework on health and safety at work.
New rules have been adopted to reduce the exposure of workers to hazardous substances.
- 10x lower exposure limit for asbestos which can cause cancer (from 0.1 fibres/cm³ to 0.01 fibres/cm³)
- 5x times lower exposure limit for lead which can affect the reproductive system (0.15 milligrams per cubic meter to 0.03mg/m3)
- First-ever occupational exposure limits for diisocyanates which can cause respiratory diseases (6µg NCO/m3)
Boosting the social economy
The social economy prioritises people, social and environmental causes over profit. Social economy entities tackle key challenges in our societies, from social and care services to housing, recreation, and affordable energy.
There are 2.8 million social economy entities in Europe, which employ 14 million people.
The EU launched an Action Plan and guidelines to EU countries to help the social economy grow and thrive, gain access to funding, and raise awareness of its potential. A new EU Social Economy Gateway is a clear entry point for anyone seeking information on relevant EU funding, policies and initiatives.
Strengthening social dialogue
The EU is strengthening social dialogue by promoting closer cooperation between employers, workers and public authorities.
Recent actions include
- supporting a stronger role for social partners in shaping EU and national policies
- improving employees' rights to be informed and consulted on decisions affecting them
- updating the rules on European Works Councils to make them more effective, inclusive and easier to establish
- renewing the commitment to European social dialogue through the Val Duchesse Social Partner Summit
