On 27 November 2024 the European Parliament approved Ursula von der Leyen’s new College of Commissioners, paving the way for legislative work to start as of 1 December. While Social Platform is pleased to see some of our vision for a more social Europe realised in the nomination process, barriers to social progress still threaten to overshadow these wins.
As civil society leaders working towards a more inclusive, social Europe for all, we are greatly concerned by the new European Commission’s defining priorities announced yesterday by President von der Leyen. By centring the EU’s policy focus and public financing solely on innovation, decarbonisation, and security the ‘Competitiveness Compass’ neglects the human dimension and vastly overlooks the people who stand to be most affected by these transitions.
We do, however, welcome the upgraded portfolio title of Executive Vice President (EVP) Mînzatu, which now includes quality jobs and social rights. This important revision now more accurately reflects the goals and priorities this Commission must strive towards, a demand previously made by Social Platform. The forthcoming revision of the Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights and Anti-Poverty Strategy also represent key opportunities in EVP Mînzatu’s mandate to instill renewed momentum into Europe’s social agenda; processes that Social Platform will continue to monitor very closely.
Social Platform’s proposal for a Commissioner for the Just Transition & Climate Action has also been reflected in the creation of a new Executive Vice President dedicated to the Just Transition. By steering investments and financing towards a just and social transition this new position held by EVP Ribera Rodríguez has potential to ensure that a greener economy and social rights go hand-in-hand.
While the issue of housing is also a welcome addition to the titles of this mandate, especially in view of the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan, we are disappointed that a standalone Commissioner for Equality has not been reinstated. Despite clear warnings from over 50 civil society organisations including Social Platform, the Equality portfolio has remained as a joint responsibility alongside Crisis Preparedness. In a time of ‘permacrisis’, the work to advance the Union of Equality is therefore at risk of being overlooked at the expense of other urgent priorities.
But action on social rights also cannot wait. The EU is not on track to achieving its 2030 headlines goals on poverty reduction (with only 1.6 million lifted out of poverty and an increase in child poverty) and is also predicted to fall short of its greenhouse gas climate goal. We remain concerned that the new College will not dedicate the necessary attention or resources to its commitments to tackling poverty, social exclusion, inequality and challenges to human rights. These issues must not be treated as secondary objectives but as cornerstones in building a Union that is “more supportive of people” as promised in the new Political Guidelines. Social cohesion must be front and centre in policy design and sufficiently supported in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Competitiveness must not be the sole focus.
The turbulent times that led to the approval of this College of Commissioners further underscores the risks ahead for meaningful progression on issues of social rights. Overcoming political fragmentation and particularly those who seek to threaten or even reverse social progress will be crucial to truly represent the interest of the Union as a whole.
Lastly, with 44 European-wide networks, representing tens of thousands of local and national organisations within our membership, Social Platform highlights the vital role of civil society organisations as partners in this mission. Giving equal priority to social and employment policies, the economy and climate action will be vital for Europe to overcome its multiple challenges, and we look forward to collaborative efforts to turn these priorities into meaningful policies that directly benefit people across Europe.
Social Platform remains fully committed to working with the European Commission to ensure that the voices of Europe’s people are heard and reflected in policymaking.
