On 17 November 2017, European Heads of State or Government met in Gothenburg with EU Institutions, social partners, civil society, students and leading experts at the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, organised by the Swedish Government and the European Commission. This was the first summit in 20 years dedicated only to social affairs.

At the Summit, the European Pillar of Social Rights was proclaimed by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This reflects the shared responsibility and the need for joint efforts by all levels of government to deliver a strong social Europe. The Pillar is composed of 20 principles and rights that are essential for a fair and social Europe. However, this is only the beginning of a process and those principles and rights need now to be implemented and made a reality for everyone living within the European Member States.

The Eurodiaconia Secretariat will provide a more in-depth analysis of the Social Summit in Gothenburg in the next edition of the European Semester Quarterly. If you want to learn more about the European Pillar of Social Rights, you can also read our members briefing.

 

To learn more about the Summit, access the Official Report of the Social Summit 2017 in Gothenburg.