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Article

European Pillar of Social Rights

Since its proclamation in 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) has been the common compass for a coordinated approach to employment and social policy by EU member states. The Pillar is intended help to reduce inequalities within the EU, improve the living conditions throughout the EU and strengthen social protection schemes.

The EPSR includes a total of 20 principles for the fields of employment and social policy. They are divided into three chapters "equal opportunities and access to the labour market", "fair working conditions" and "social protection and inclusion".

The Federal Government is committed to the implementation of the EPSR as a cornerstone for strengthening the social dimension of Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its aftermath have posed new challenges for the world, including the EU. The EPSR serves as a common foundation for activities and initiatives at European level, but also at national, regional and local levels, also, even especially, in coping with the economic and social consequences of the pandemic.

The measures aim to complement and reinforce each other in order to achieve concrete and tangible improvements for people throughout the EU.

In 2021, the EU Commission presented an Action Plan for the further implementation of the EPSR. It proposes three new core social and employment policy objectives for the period up to 2030 to promote upward social convergence. Up to 2030:

  • at least 78% of the population aged 20 to 64 should have jobs (employment target),
  • at least 60 % of all adults aged 25 to 64 should take part in a continuing education programme every year (continuing education target),
  • the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion should decrease by at least 15 million, including at least 5 million children (poverty reduction target).

The heads of state and government reaffirmed these goals at the informal European Council meeting on 8 May 2021. All Member States (including Germany) subsequently developed national targets to help achieve the overarching EU targets.

The Federal Government has set the following national targets:

  • Increase in the employment rate to 83%
  • Increase in participation in continuing education to 65%
  • Reduction of people in households with very low employment intensity by 1.2 million people (including 300,000 children)

An overview of all national targets of the EU Member States can be found on this site: State of play on the National targets for 2030.

Other important measures to implement the EPSR, particularly supported by the Federal Government, include the Council Recommendation on Adequate Minimum Income and the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. These initiatives represent important steps towards combating poverty and social exclusion and promoting upward convergence in the EU.

Therefore, moving forward with the implementation of the EPSR also played a major role during Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In particular, the Council Conclusions on bolstering minimum income schemes represent a step forward in combating poverty and social exclusion.

The start of consultations on the proposed directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU will also move the debate on fair wages forward.

In 2021, the EU Commission will present an action plan for the further implementation of the EPSR. This will be dealt with in the first half of 2021 under Portugal’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Governments, civil society and the population were given the opportunity to submit proposals. The Federal Government also participated in this consultation process.