The landscape of Europe’s social model is under significant pressure from digitalization, globalization, and shifting political priorities. This seminar brought together trade union leaders, experts, and politicians to evaluate whether the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and the Declaration of La Hulpe can truly guarantee a social and just Europe. The discussions aimed to ensure that social ambitions are translated into concrete actions that respect human dignity and pluralistic social values.
During a two-seminar on “The Declaration of La Hulpe: A guarantee for a Europe of values that is social and just?” in the city of Brussels/Belgium more than 50 trade union leaders and experts from the EU and outside discussed the challenges when it comes to safeguarding a Europe of values that is social and just. The seminar, organized by Krifa and WOW-Europe in cooperation with the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) and funded by the European Union, clearly demonstrated in what complicated times we live. Finding answers is not so straightforward.
The Broad Vision of the EPSR
Denis Genton (Director, European Pillar of Social Rights Strategy, European Commission) highlighted that the EPSR serves as our "social feed" and provides essential guarantees across generations, ensuring care for individuals even after they have left the workforce. He noted the urgency of this mission, as 93 million people in the EU currently face social exclusion.
Dr. Tania Bazzani (Senior Researcher) analysed the EPSR as a political commitment to effectiveness, noting that while it contains 20 principles, some are already enforceable rights while others remain future goals. She addressed the "constitutional asymmetry" where market and competition rules often carry more weight than social policies at the EU level.
Policy Implementation and Evaluation
Mr. Martin Clarke (Project Manager, Panteia) presented a study on the state of play of the EPSR in 2024. He evaluated the implementation of four key directives: Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions, Work-Life Balance, Adequate Minimum Wages, and Gender Balance on Company Boards. He emphasized that competitiveness should be built on productivity and social rights rather than a "race to the bottom".
Mr. Martin Schaffenrath (EESC) discussed the Action Plan for implementing the EPSR from the perspective of organized civil society. He stressed that without tangible social results, the political legitimacy of the EU is at risk. Key messages included the need for "implementation power" over more strategy papers and the recognition that poverty is more expensive than prevention.
Minimum Wage and Competitiveness (Panel Debate)
Mr. Klaus Heeger (Secretary General, CESI) argued that regulated minimum wages can level the playing field by reducing the advantage of firms that rely on underpayment. He noted that positive outcomes occur when wage policy is combined with skills training and effective enforcement.
Mr. Michael Schediwy-Klusek (ÖGB/FCG), representing the Austrian perspective, asserted that "good work is not the price of competitiveness—it is its foundation". He emphasized that minimum wages protect against exploitation, promote motivation, and ensure social cohesion. He cited, among other things, Robert Bosch's most famous quote on the subject of wages: “I don't pay good wages because I have a lot of money, I have a lot of money because I pay good wages.”
Political Perspectives
Dennis Radtke (MEP, EPP) warned that the European social model is under immense pressure. He argued that if social issues are not central to the political agenda, democratic forces risk losing ground to the right wing. He called for active political involvement to secure the dignity of work, promote jobs covered by collective agreements, and ensure decent working conditions.
Seminar Outcome: Policy Recommendations
The seminar culminated in a policy paper titled "A Value-Based and Inclusive Social Europe," which proposes several critical actions for EU policymakers:
Uphold the Social Compass: Use the EPSR as a mandatory benchmark in all legislative initiatives, especially regarding the green and digital transitions.
Prioritize Lifelong Learning: Establish digital literacy and AI skills as a legally protected right to prevent new forms of social inequality.
Protect Humans in the Digital Age: Implement legal requirements for information and consultation when AI systems are used for managing or monitoring employees.
Ensure Pluralistic Social Dialogue: Open social dialogue forums to independent and value-based trade unions to ensure democratic legitimacy and professional diversity.
Conclusion and Discussions
The seminar was characterized by intensive and productive discussions among participants. The consensus reached was that the La Hulpe Declaration must move from a statement of intent to a binding roadmap. By investing in human competencies and ensuring that every voice is heard in social dialogue, the EU can maintain its global position while upholding the social values that define the European project.