On 8 June 2020 a high-level hearing of social partners on the planned Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights took place via videoconference.

The virtual hearing was attended by delegations of EU and national trade unions and employer representatives from cross-industry and sectoral level.

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis recalled the unprecedented measures which the European Commission has put forward both in its short-term response packages and in its recent recovery plan embedded in a revamped multiannual financial framework (MFF) proposal in response to the crisis. He stressed that the European Pillar of Social Rights remains the common compass for a fair and sustainable recovery.

Commissioner Nicolas Schmit emphasised that a successful implementation of the Pillar will depend on actions at all levels. He announced that he will start a series of webinars in Member States to engage with stakeholders at the national level including social partners. Trade unions and employers outlined their priorities for the planned Action Plan.

Commissioner Schmit invited social partners to continue their reflection and their engagement as part of the ongoing consultation running until 30 November 2020.