Position Paper on the new Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights

Executive Summary

• As the European Commission prepares a new Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, SGI Europe underlines the need for coherence, simplification, and delivery. Representing employers delivering essential public services across Europe, we call for an approach that enables reform while respecting national realities and operational constraints.
• The first priority must be to fully implement and evaluate the 2021 Action Plan before introducing new measures. It should focus on coordination and alignment across existing strategies rather than creating overlaps or duplication.
• The next Action Plan must not add to the complexity of the EU’s social agenda, but act as a compass to align existing strategies, including the Quality Jobs Roadmap, the Anti-Poverty Strategy, the Competitiveness Compass, the Preparedness Strategy, the Union of Skills, the simplification agenda and the Gender Equality Strategy. Synergies and clarity must take precedence over fragmentation and reporting burden.
• Implementation should be prioritised over new initiatives. Better Regulation tools, including impact assessments and implementation dialogues, should be fully used to support service providers, avoid unintended consequences, and ensure proportionality. Experiences with recent directives such as the Pay Transparency and Platform Work Directives highlight the need for more contextualised support and clarity.
• Simplification should mean proportionate and tailored implementation of EU rules for SGIs, ensuring obligations are adapted to their economic and organisational specificities.
• Services of General Interest (SGIs) are central to making the Pillar a reality for citizens. The Action Plan should support territorial cohesion by investing in housing, care, and mobility, with a clear focus on service quality and workforce resilience. The Porto targets should remain a key reference.
• Social dialogue must be strengthened through concrete support, better follow-up, and alignment with the Social Dialogue Pact. SGI Europe calls for a shift from consultation to timely and effective involvement of social partners, backed by adequate funding and recognition.