22
Jan
2026
Watch
A new action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, Europe is undergoing profound transformations - geopolitical, digital, ecological and demographic. But for millions of Europeans, and especially in Romania, the real test is much simpler. Does work still guarantee a decent living? For us, the answer must be clear: no working citizen should have difficulty paying their bills. Honest work should not condemn anyone to livelihoods, but give people the chance to live a dignified, stable and fulfilled life to the standards that Europe has assumed through the European Pillar of Social Rights. Eliminating labour poverty is not an ideological issue, it is a matter of fairness, competitiveness and social stability. Quality jobs, fair wages, as established by the directive on minimum wages, and real chances of professional development are the best social policy. At the same time, skills, upskilling and reskilling are essential to remain relevant in the labour market. In a rapidly changing economy, access to training must be open to all workers, regardless of age or training. Finally, Europe cannot achieve its social ambitions without adequate resources. A strong European Social Fund in the next Multiannual Financial Framework is indispensable, even if European directions and priorities change.