What happened in Gothenburg?
On 17 November 2017, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven jointly hosted the EU Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth.
In typical Swedish fashion, the proceedings did not only include Heads of State and Government but also social partners and civil society, as well as young Europeans, to address questions that matter to every single European. In three dedicated working sessions, they debated:
- What are the key challenges that must be addressed to improve access to the labour market for all men and women?
- How can decent and fair working conditions be ensured for all workers, regardless of their employment relationship?
- What support do people need to be able to re-skill, upskill, transition and take up new job opportunities?
In an unprecedented show of transparency, the plenary and working sessions of the Summit were live-streamed and the videos are available online.
Source: European Commission, Eurobarometer 2017
The summit rounded off on a tangible note with the signing of the European Pillar of Social Rights — representing a commitment at the very highest level to 20 fundamental principles and rights that are essential for fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker summed up saying:
‘From the right to fair wages to the right to healthcare; from lifelong learning, a better work-life balance and gender equality to minimum income: with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU stands up for the rights of its citizens in a fast-changing world.’
