Madam President! The European Pillar of Social Rights is an expression of our concern for the individual: for their dignity, security, and opportunities for development in a rapidly changing world.
Europe will not win the global competition through low wages or lowered standards. It will win by investing in people and protecting workers through the digital, green, and increasingly demographic transitions. Education, access to training throughout one’s working life, and stable, good-quality employment that responds to labour market needs are the foundation of an innovative, resilient economy.
It is essential that the implementation of the Pillar be pragmatic and based on social dialogue. It must support job creation and competitiveness, rather than placing excessive burdens on businesses particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
The European Pillar of Social Rights is not an add-on to economic policy. It is an integral part of it. It helps build a Europe that is both competitive and fair, modern and united, the kind of Europe we want to pass on to future generations.