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Spotlight on the EU’s social dimension

European integration has an inherent social dimension. Strengthening this dimension, in order to meet the challenges of climate change and digital transition, is the focus of the upcoming Social Summit in Porto on 7–8 May, organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council and the European Commission. ‘We need a common commitment to make the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality […]. The social dimension of the EU is absolutely key to ensure that the double transition our societies need is fair and inclusive, leaving no one behind’ said the Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa.

The European Pillar of Social Rights consists of a set of 20 key principles for a socially fair Europe, grouped into three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; and social protection and inclusion. While some of these principles are already present in EU law, others set objectives for the path ahead. The Porto Social Summit is an opportunity to join forces at the highest political level to make progress in this direction.

As a contribution to the summit and the relevant discussion, in March 2021, the European Commission presented the European Pillar of Social Rights action plan. This comes at a critical time as societies worldwide continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of which is both economic and social.

The April edition of our newsletter features publications related to the EU’s social dimension, along with publications on several other interesting topics.

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan

A strong social Europe is about people and their well-being. Europe is home to the most equal societies in the world, the highest standards in working conditions and broad social protection. Aimed at further enhancing it, the European Pillar of Social Rights action plan turns principles into concrete actions and proposes headline targets for the EU to reach by 2030. It is presented in detail through this publication.

Available in English, French, German and Portuguese

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan – factsheet

This factsheet presents in a nutshell the 20 principles of the European Pillar of Social rights and the specific goals of the relevant action plan presented in March 2021 by the European Commission.

Available in all the official languages of the EU except Irish

Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

What is needed to guarantee a positive social impact

This study analyses early initiatives launched in the context of the European Pillar of Social Rights and provides concrete policy recommendations that can ensure its effective implementation.

Available in English

More on this topic

Social Sustainability

Concepts and benchmarks

This study looks at definitions and ways to measure and benchmark social sustainability, then explores how the concept can be integrated into EU policymaking processes, giving concrete examples of ways it is already being used in policies and projects at the national, regional and local levels.

Available in English

Social Issues

Report

Social justice is at the heart of the EU and implies that all Europeans should have the same opportunities to thrive. It underpins the idea that social fairness and prosperity are the cornerstones for building a resilient society with the highest standards of well-being in the world. This publication presents the results of a survey, commissioned 3 years after the launch of the European Pillar of Social Rights, to explore public opinion about social issues in the European Union. If you have a special interest in the topic, you can also check this related data set with the results of Special Eurobarometer 315 on social climate.

Available in English

EIB Investment Report 2020/2021

The European Union’s massive efforts to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic present a unique opportunity to transform its economy, making it more green and digital – and ultimately more competitive. The European Investment Bank’s flagship publication for the period 2020-2021 looks at the toll the pandemic took on European firms’ investment and future plans, and points out the economic areas in which Europe remains strong, such as technologies that combine green and digital innovation.

Available in English

Managing Complexity (and Chaos) in Times of Crisis

A field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed us all to the challenges of managing complexity (and chaos) in a crisis. We have seen in very real ways how the crisis and the need for at times quite radical changes in direction have stretched our ability to react and adapt to the limit. This field guide describes complexity-aware methods and practices that could enhance our resilience and ability to respond effectively to crises.

Available in English

Gender Equality Index 2020

Key findings for the EU

With 67.9 out of 100 points, the EU still has a long way to go to reach real gender equality. For yet another year, Sweden is at the top of the list with 83.9 points. Where do other countries stand? What was the progress in comparison to 2017 and 2010? In which domains is the situation better or worse? This publication provides key findings about gender equality in the EU at a glance.

Available in English

Crime, Safety and Victims’ Rights

Fundamental rights survey

Too often victims of crime are denied their rights. They are left voiceless and unsupported. Young people and minorities particularly suffer. So, what can countries do? How can governments better support victims? How can victims get justice? This report presents and discusses the results of the first ever EU-wide survey on crime victimisation and offers key insights to guide policymakers in shaping their victim support measures.

Available in English

Research and innovation

The new synergies of shopping: E-commerce or ‘bricks and mortar’? (Research*eu)

Is there a future for ‘bricks-and-mortar’ stores or are they destined to be steamrollered by a relentless e-commerce juggernaut in the post-COVID landscape? This is the topic explored in the special feature of this 100th anniversary issue of Research*eu.

Available in English

(Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)

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Protection of Wild Pollinators in the EU

Commission initiatives have not borne fruit. Special report No 15, 2020

In recent decades, wild pollinators in the EU have declined in abundance and diversity. In 2018, the Commission made a move towards coordinating its approach to halting the decline of wild pollinators by launching the pollinators initiative. An assessment of progress made is presented by the European Court of Auditors in this report. The conclusion, unfortunately, is that there has been little effect on halting the decline. Therefore, the report offers recommendations to improve the protection of wild pollinators in existing EU policies and legislation.

Available in all the official languages of the EU except Irish

Land-Based Wildfire Prevention

Principles and experiences on managing landscapes, forests and woodlands for safety and resilience in Europe

This report, produced with the contribution of fire management experts in EU Member States, provides a summary of the current and future trends of wildfires in Europe and tools to monitor them at the European and national levels. It includes an overview of existing land-based wildfire prevention and good practices that can save lives.

Available in English, French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish

More than Food, Great Stories to Share

Produced with the highest standards, agricultural products from the European Union are more than just food and drinks. They are heritage passed on through generations. They are collections of flavours, bursting with character that can be traced back to rich origins. Explore some of them through this publication.

Bilingual publication (English and Arabic)

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