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REGAINING PEOPLE’S TRUST
T
oo many citizens in all EU member states feel that the EU has not protected them enough from rising inequalities, increased precarious work, low wages, unemployment, low access to social protection or poor living conditions. They deserve an answer. After a decade of austerity, after Brexit, after too many electoral successes for the populists and extremists, the European Union needs to regain peoples’ trust and show it is more than just a free-trade area. European policymaking has been largely concerned with the efficiency of markets and the effectiveness of the four freedoms of movement enshrined in the EU treaties (goods, services, capital and people). This focus too often has left aside the EU’s objective of social cohesion, equality, fairness, well-being and a high level of employment, combating poverty and exclusion (as outlined in the TFEU e. g. preamble, Art. 8, Art. 9, and TEU art 3). Simultaneously, the past decades have seen a rise in social and income inequality across Europe, proving that wealth does not simply “trickle down” to all. The years of crisis have made Europe’s citizens pay a very high price, while globalisation, digitisation, social and environmental dumping create strong pressure towards lower social standards. Moreover, we have seen a brain drain of young people from the member states where the economic crisis hit hardest. This must change. For us, the economy must always serve the people and not vice versa.
We are therefore convinced that social Europe plays a key role for Europe’s future. In this context of rising inequalities, political uncertainty and doubts towards the institutions, PES fights for social progress and a better life for all Europeans. The proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in November 2017 marked a significant moment for social Europe, we are ready to deliver on each and every of the 20 principles it consecrates.
