From Reykjavík to Vilnius and Chișinău: strengthening social rights in Europe
Reykjavík 2023
A renewed political commitment
At the Fourth Summit of the Council of Europe in Reykjavík, Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to the protection and implementation of social rights under the European Social Charter system. They recognised that social justice is crucial for democratic stability and security, placing social rights firmly within the wider agenda for a resilient and democratic Europe.
→ Reykjavík Declaration
Vilnius 2024
Turning the Summit commitment into further action
The High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter, held in Vilnius on 4 July 2024, provided the first major follow-up to the Reykjavík commitments. Ministers and high-level representatives discussed contemporary social rights challenges and reaffirmed the importance of the European Social Charter and its monitoring mechanisms.
The conference resulted in the Vilnius Declaration, reinforcing the collective commitment of Council of Europe member States to social justice and the protection and further development of social rights. The conference also provided an opportunity for States to take further commitments under the Charter.
→ Vilnius Declaration
Chișinău 2026
From commitments to implementation
Building on the Reykjavík and Vilnius Declarations, the High-Level Conference on Social Rights in Chișinău, held on 18–19 March 2026, focused on strengthening the protection and implementation of social rights across Europe.
Ministers and senior officials examined the contribution of social rights to democratic stability and security, the fight against inequality and democratic backsliding, and emerging challenges including the future of work and technological change. The conference also provided an opportunity to review progress in the reform of the European Social Charter and to take further commitments under the Charter.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Chișinău Declaration, reaffirming the collective commitment of Council of Europe member States to social rights and to the European Social Charter.
→ Chișinău Declaration