The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) held an exchange of views with George Katrougalos, UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order.

Discussions focused on the relationship between democratic participation, social rights and economic policies, including the impact of changing living standards on trust/faith in democratic institutions. Particular attention was given to the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion, as enshrined in the European Social Charter, especially for groups facing vulnerability and marginalisation.

The exchange highlighted the importance of a human rights-based approach to policymaking, recognising that social rights should not be treated as secondary to economic objectives, but as an essential foundation for fair and inclusive societies.

It also underlined the complementarity between the mandates of the ECSR and the UN bodies, and the value of strengthening dialogue, cooperation and the exchange of expertise.