A renewed commitment to a future-ready Social Europe

In July 2026, the Commission adopted a Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights, renewing its commitment to Social Europe ahead of the Pillar's 10th anniversary in 2027.
The Pillar remains the EU’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of fast-transformation, for a Europe that protects and empowers citizens.
This Communication reviews progress in strengthening social rights across the EU. It also sets out clear priorities for further action where more needs to be done.
It helps Europe better anticipate and manage structural change, so it can make the most of the opportunities created by the EU’s ongoing transformations and ensure that Europe’s social model continues to deliver fairness and prosperity.

Why it matters

Protection against crises
Fairer labour markets and stronger welfare systems
New challenges ahead

A Pillar for the future

The Communication confirms the EU's commitment to implementing the Pillar and highlights 3 priority areas for upcoming actions.

Addressing affordability
Launch a consultation of social partners on activating persons facing barriers to employment, including on equality between women and men in labour market opportunities
Consult EU countries and stakeholders on a possible post-2030 target on job quality
Propose a Quality Jobs Act to update EU rules protecting workers while supporting competitiveness
Develop new indicators on affordability and poverty
Present a European Care Deal addressing long-term care workforce challenges
Reducing inequalities
Provide specific support, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement the Pay Transparency Directive
Present a Right to Stay Strategy so people can thrive where they choose to live
Adopt a vocational education and training (VET) strategy
Present a new EU Youth Strategy for fair and inclusive opportunities for all young people
Harnessing AI for the future of work
Set up a High Level Experts Group on the impact of AI on the labour market
Help workplaces adopt algorithmic management tools responsibly

Learn more about Achievements under the Pillar

Fairness and equality as Europe's competitive edge

Strong education systems, quality jobs, effective social protection and equal opportunities make Europe’s economy and societies more resilient. They also help strengthen democracy and support competitiveness.

To deliver on this, the Commission will present a Quality Jobs Act later this year, building on the Quality Jobs Roadmap. It will also look at new ways to measure job quality across the EU, alongside the existing 2030 EU targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction.