The EU has a large number of general social objectives and principles. However, in practice, market-liberal orientations and restrictive fiscal rules have often taken a higher priority. The 2024 elections to the European Parliament represent an important window of opportunity for the debate on strengthening the social orientation of the EU.

Around 100 guests from European institutions and partner organisations attended the traditional New Year's reception of the European offices of the Chamber of Labour and the Austrian Trade Union Confederation in Brussels on 29 January. This year's theme was the protection of democracy and the importance of participation in EU and AK elections.

Young people always have to listen to the same empty slogans. Young people are the future. However, young people are not just the future, but also the present. With the upcoming EU-election, many young people will have the possibility to vote for the politicians who will represent them and their opinions. The EU-Commission has gotten the Memo as well and has announced several actions it wants to take, to empower young people in the EU. With this in mind, what has the EU done for young people so far and why should it be of concern for us?

The Brussels Office of the Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK EUROPA), the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Social Platform, Solidar, and the European Policy Centre (EPC) cordially invite you to the joint event “The European Pillar of Social Rights. Turning principles into practice”.

Belgium took over the EU Council Presidency from Spain at the beginning of the year. Six priorities were defined under the motto "Protect, Strengthen, Prepare", which are to be advanced over the next six months. Due to the upcoming elections to the EU Parliament, this is a challenging time for the Council Presidency, during which as many dossiers as possible are to be finalised.

The elections to the European Parliament will take place from 6 to 9 June. These elections will be decisive for the future of the European Union. With a new European Parliament, there will also be a new European Commission. At the start of the EU election campaign, many institutions are presenting their demands for future EU policy, including the EESC's Workers' Group.

On 13 December, the EU Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on a proposal for a directive on improving working conditions in platform work. This means that there could soon be the world's first law regulating the rights of platform workers. More and more people are employed via platforms that are legally considered self-employed. However, this means that rights such as holiday entitlement and continued remuneration in the event of illness no longer apply.

The European Economic and Social Committee recently adopted an opinion on measures to create an EU just transition policy framework. In this opinion, it calls for a corresponding EU Agenda 2050, a Commissioner, who is specifically responsible for it and a Just Transition Observatory. The Committee thus makes it clear that the just transition must be at the top of the agenda in the next legislative period. There can only be a green transition in harmony with a social transition.

In November, the members of the European Parliament voted by a narrow majority in favour of amending the EU Treaties. This involves important organisational principles of the EU. Among other, Parliament is calling for more rights of co-determination and decision-making and a social progress protocol. The ball is now in the European Council's court to decide whether to convene a convention.

Last week, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) presented its manifesto for the 2024 European election in the EU Parliament. There was a great deal of interest and approval. The aim of the manifesto is to develop a vision for the next five years in Europe. It is an invitation to the parties and candidates to endorse 12 commitments: A fair deal for workers should make Europe more social and fairer.