2025 brings pivotal opportunities for advancing Europe’s social agenda. The European Commission has committed to presenting a new Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. However, these commitments come at a time of competing priorities where an emphasis on competitiveness and defence risks overshadowing social objectives.
This milestone year also marks 30 years of Social Platform’s work towards a more inclusive and just Europe. With our event ‘What is next for Social Europe?‘ we aim to bring renewed focus to the social agenda and the measures that will be needed to ensure that Europe ‘supports people, strengthens our societies and our social model’ – as stated in the incoming European Commission’s political guidelines.
When: 25 March 2025
Time: 16:30 – 18:15
Where: European Parliament room ASP 3 H1 (in-person only)
Hosted by:
- Estelle Ceulemens MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for the S&D
- Maria Ohisalo MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for the Green / EFA group
- Jana Toom MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for Renew Europe
- Leila Chaibi MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for The Left
Agenda
16:30 – 16:40: Introduction
Moderated by: Hugh Frazer, Professor in Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University
Welcome by Laura de Bonfils, Secretary General of Social Platform
16:40 – 17:50: Panel discussions
Opening: Priorities of the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights
- Estelle Ceulemens MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for the S&D
- Maria Ohisalo MEP, EMPL Committee Coordinator for the Green / EFA group
- Jana Toom MEP Coordinator for Renew Europe
- Leïla Chaibi MEP Coordinator for The Left
- Miron Podgorean, member of cabinet of European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu
Spotlight on: Working conditions and quality jobs
- Diana Dovgan, member of Social Platform Management Committee and Secretary General of CECOP, the European confederation of industrial and service cooperatives
Spotlight on: Social Protection and Inclusion
- Maria Nyman, Secretary General of Caritas Europa
Spotlight on: Quality, Affordable Services
- Thomas Bignal, Secretary General of EASPD, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities
17:50 – 18:10 Questions from the audience
18:10 – 18:15 Closing
- Hugh Frazer, Professor in Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University
- Mikael Leyi, Vice-President of Social Platform, and Secretary General of SOLIDAR
18:15 – 19:15 Reception
Please save your spot by registering below. Please note that entry to the European Parliament with accreditation is now closed – if you wish to attend and require accreditation please get in touch with hannah.grieve@socialplatform.org
