In the framework of the action plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission set up in 2021 a High-Level Group tasked to write a report on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU. The report is a strongly substantiated analysis based on a life-course approach and contains a total of 21 recommendations. The recommendations cannot be read as one-size-fits-all and are complementary to the actions of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Jozef Pacolet, Emeritus Professor at the University of Leuven and previously head of the “social and economic policy” unit of HIVA - Research Institute for Work and Society, was a member of this group. Jozef is known at EZA as an active participant and dedicated contributor.
We highlight some of the recommendations from the report. For more information, it is worth reading the report.
- Nurturing child development for all with access to high-quality, full-day, care service and education is fundamental for the subsequent phases of life. These services should be affordable for all families and free for all those with children in need. Targeted minimum income protection to prevent child poverty should be put in place.
- Member states should create an environment of high-quality jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
- Member States and social partners must work together to organize access and contribution to adequate social protection. Social protection must maintain a decent standard of living and contributions should take account of all sources of income.
- In order to safeguard adequate income in old age, periods of care giving should be credited for pension purposes.
- Member states should promote inclusive and environment-friendly housing and transport.
- The tax basis for social policies should be broadened while fight against tax evasion and avoidance should be strengthened.
- Member States should guarantee all residents a minimum package of social rights, based on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which must be upheld.
You can read the full report here.