ENHANCING SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR ALL THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EPSR

ended

The project supports the ETUC in enhancing the EPSR as “the” policy driver inspiring the post-pandemic reactions in all social and fiscal policy areas. Its Action Plan represents a milestone for ambitious social rights and improved well-being of EU citizens and residents in all stages of life. It must tackle people’s needs and protect them from the challenges ahead that raise many societal and economic concerns, for our education paths, labour markets and social protection systems. Implementing the Action Plan will entail solidarity and equality-based solutions and can make the EU economic governance socially fairer. The project allows TUs to assess the overall implementation of the Action Plan in all these areas and the progress in these directions and contribute to the achievement of its ambitious social goals. Specific attention is deserved by the social protection of old-age rights. The Council Recommendation on Access to Social Protection must be implemented ambitiously. Enjoying adequate pensions and quality health and long-term care, “ageing in dignity” should be for all generations. While the demographic trends put public expenditure under pressure, the Action Plan calls for a “demographic change that is fair and just” both during and after the working age. An upgrade of social protection systems is supported by its targets and policy tools, now enhanced by the extraordinary EU financial facilities that should drive Europe out of the pandemic crisis. By enhancing gender equality, labour market’s potential and the fight to poverty, a more adequate and sustainable old age protection to both the present and the future elderly generations is possible. TUs will assess the reforms impacting the right to adequate pensions, quality healthcare and long-term care and, on the scientific knowledge-based tools to contribute to achieve a balanced social and economic governance, where fiscal rules serve the social rights and needs of the EU ageing population.