Strengthening the EU's Social Dimension: Using the EMU to Make the Most Out of the Social Pillar

Abstract

This policy brief examines how the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) can be used to strengthen the social dimension of the EU. For the EPSR to matter, the relevant actors should strongly commit themselves to its principles, ideally through a legally binding mechanism. Starting from the premise that achieving consensus for committing to some of the Pillar’s principles is more likely to be forthcoming among Eurozone members for reasons relating to the better functioning of the EMU, this policy brief proposes using an inter-governmental Treaty route to implement some of these principles. This would then serve as the first step towards, or at least a trigger for, creating a stronger social dimension across the EU. The Commission’s currently suggested use of the EPSR’s principles for drafting recommendations in the European Semester is much weaker, but, in the absence of more meaningful solutions, it would be preferable to the status quo.