The European Pillar of Social Rights has been crucial in recognising social and employment rights in EU policy and in laying the groundwork for new initiatives, such as the 2021-2030 first Action Plan to promote the social economy (SEAP). As such, the Pillar remains the EU’s main compass for policies that integrate social inclusion, labour protection, and a human-centred economy, which is ever-more relevant in an age of fast transformation and instability.
The Communication evaluation of progress toward the 2030 social headline targets reveals mixed results as of 2026. The target for the employment rate is the closest to being achieved, standing at 76.3% against the 78% objective. Yet, the objectives for adult training and the reduction of poverty or social exclusion remain far from reach. Only 39.5% of adults currently engage in skills development, falling well short of the 60% goal. Additionally, the number of individuals at risk of poverty or social exclusion has decreased by only 3.5 million compared to 2019, far below the targeted 15 million reduction. These shortcomings show that progress may be unequal, leaving various groups behind.
This is why RREUSE continues to regret the decision to exclude social economy and civil society representatives from the consultations on future actions to activate persons facing barriers to employment. Work integration social economy enterprises are experts on inclusive and targeted employment. They directly work with various labour market underrepresented groups that may not be captured by trade union memberships. Excluding such groups, as well as civil society organisations like those defending rights for Roma and people with disabilities, misses an opportunity to involve diverse and multilevel stakeholders turning the Social Pillar into practice every day. Most importantly, it risks excluding the lived experiences of groups facing systematic exclusion from policy design.
Furthermore, the Communication hints at a future Right to Stay Strategy among the measures aimed at reducing inequalities. RREUSE calls for a strategy that focuses on supporting the various actors of the proximity economy, many of whom are in the social economy. Namely, social enterprises active in a reuse and repair-based circular economy are pillars of their communities, promoting local reuse, favouring access to affordable goods, and offering opportunities to develop new skills. However, their essential services, including work integration in the reuse and repair sectors, are often underinvested.
Another strategy championed by the Social Pillar Communication is the future vocational education and training strategy (VET). RREUSE reiterates the need for the EU VET Strategy to go further in recognising social enterprises skills and certifications, fostering partnerships with VET systems, and linking funds to promote skills acquisition with the highest steps of the waste hierarchy.
Ultimately, the EC Communication positively gives new impetus to the European Pillar of Social Rights. Where competitiveness is often framed under the logic of profits at all costs in current policy discourse, RREUSE echoes the Communication's clear stance that integrating social considerations into all policy areas is, on the contrary, essential for Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness. This is especially relevant for the opportunities the Circular Economy and Public Procurement Acts could bring this year.
With the cost of inaction far outweighing investment, as the EU Commission states, the Social Pillar continues to represent the very same safeguards that uphold the European social market model cherished by EU citizens and desired across the globe. A 2022 Eurobarometer found that an overwhelming majority of Europeans (78%) do in fact believe that overall public spending on key social policies should increase, while a decreasing number perceive their lives as fair (38%).
Against this backdrop, RREUSE and its network of circular social enterprises hope and stand ready to ensure the Social Pillar ambitiously turns its principles into practice, cementing high social (and environmental) standards as uncompromising elements to guarantee the wellbeing of people and uphold trust in public institutions.
