Spotlight on social Europe,
fair jobs and growth
The social policy of the European Union is about improving working and living conditions in all Member States in light of challenges such as an ageing society, globalisation and digitalisation. EU social policy has been enshrined in the EU treaties since 1958 and is based on the conviction that economic development should result in greater social progress and fairness. The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven hosted a Social Summit in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017. The summit focused on promoting fair jobs and growth. In the context of the summit, the presidency of the Council of the European Union signed the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights on behalf of the EU Member States. |
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Annual review 2017
This review provides a thorough economic analysis of major trends affecting the social and employment situation of EU citizens, with a special focus on intergenerational fairness and solidarity. Improving the lives of citizens across generations in a sustainable way must be at the centre of concern. However, policymakers face the citizens’ worries that their children may end up worse off than their parents. This is an aspect that should guide policy action.
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A Eurofound research report
Across the EU, citizens and governments of Member States are becoming increasingly concerned that — for the first time in decades — younger generations will have fewer opportunities for upward social mobility than preceding generations. This concern is shared by those on low incomes and by the middle class. This report sheds new light on the debate on social mobility in EU Member States and provides new evidence on patterns of intergenerational social mobility.
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Economic, social and territorial cohesion
European social policy is also about cohesion. This report brings the necessary data and facts to check how cohesive, or divided, Europe is from an economic, social and territorial point of view. It helps to see with more clarity and objectivity what has been achieved and what needs to be done in the post-2020 financial period. In this way it sets the scene for shaping tomorrow’s cohesion policy.
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Guidance, tools and funding for implementation
We live in an increasingly digitalised world. Local and regional administrations play an important role in modernising administrations and services in areas of importance for society. They also have to take responsibility for directly providing citizens with services designed to meet their expectations. The European Commission supports the acceleration of the digital transformation of governments at all levels. The digital transformation will benefit public administrations, businesses and citizens. This publication provides guidance and presents tools and specific information on how to find and implement EU funding for modernising the public administration and services using digital solutions.
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Future-proofing our food systems through research and innovation
This publication explains how research and innovation is actively contributing to the transformation of the food system in Europe. It provides examples from across the whole food chain and demonstrates how the outcomes of EU research and innovation are relevant to the development of policies that address the needs of economy, society and environment.
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The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures that EU law is observed and correctly applied in the Member States. Since its inauguration in 1952, the Court’s judgments have reinforced European integration while granting citizens, and in particular young people, ever more far-reaching rights.
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