Social Rights

In its Activity Report for 2024, published today, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) of the Council of Europe places special focus on how States Parties have responded to the cost-of-living crisis. The report also reviews developments under the collective complaints procedure and the ECSR’s cooperation with other Council of Europe bodies and international organisations.

The report recalls that in 2024, the ECSR conducted a comprehensive review of measures addressing the cost-of-living crisis, drawing on reports from 41 States Parties and submissions from social partners, civil society organisations, and national human rights institutions. The Committee called on  governments to ensure fair living standards by setting minimum wages at least 60% of the national average, capping staple food prices, and supporting vulnerable groups. It also called for stable, affordable access to energy, stronger measures to address housing affordability and homelessness, and adjustments to social security and assistance to match inflation. 

Throughout 2024, the ECSR also examined collective complaints. It adopted 12 decisions on the merits and 12 decisions on admissibility. Ten new collective complaints were registered against six States Parties: Spain (4), Italy (2), Belgium (1), France (1), Greece (1), and Norway (1). These were lodged by national trade unions, international NGOs, and employers’ organisations.

The Committee also pursued institutional dialogue and outreach, holding exchanges with the European Court of Human Rights, the Commissioner for Human Rights, national human rights

In 2024, the Lithuanian Presidency hosted a High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter in Vilnius, leading to the Vilnius Declaration, which reaffirmed the indivisibility of human rights and called for stronger social rights across Europe. A second high level Conference is planned for March 2026 in Chișinău under the Moldovan Presidency to build on this momentum.

Looking ahead, the ECSR aims to ensure that social rights and justice remain central to the Council of Europe’s mission of ensuring democratic stability in Europe.