Madam President! The European Pillar of Social Rights is an expression of our concern for people, their dignity, security, and opportunities for development in a rapidly changing world.
Europe will not win the global competition through low wages or by lowering standards. It will succeed by investing in people and protecting workers during times of transformation: digital, green, and, increasingly, demographic. Education that meets the needs of the labor market, access to training throughout one’s working life, and stable, high-quality employment 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 is important that it promote job creation and increased competitiveness, rather than placing an excessive burden on businesses, especially 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 at once competitive and fair, modern and united in solidarity. This is the Europe we want to pass on to future generations.