Main news from Brussels this week
date: 28/04/2017
European pillar of social rights
On 26 April, the European Commission presented proposals for a European pillar of social rights, first outlined in President Juncker's State of the Union speech in 2015. The pillar sets out 20 key principles and rights to support fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. It aims for an upward convergence towards better working and living conditions in Europe. It is primarily conceived for the euro area but applicable to all EU member states wishing to be part of it.
The preliminary outline is divided into three main categories:
- Equal opportunities and access to the labour market. This includes skills development, life-long learning and active support for employment;
- Fair working conditions: an adequate and reliable balance of rights and obligations between workers and employers;
- Adequate and sustainable social protection: including access to health, social protection benefits and high quality services, such as childcare, healthcare and long-term care.
New web portal to help European agri-food exporters
The European Commission has launched a web portal to help European agriculture and food professionals find new markets. The new web site is aimed at farmers, merchants, trade promoters and their organisations. It aims to help them reach new customers both within the EU and elsewhere.
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here