The ILO Report on Building a Social Pillar for European Convergence refers on several occasions to the European Social Charter together with other national and international legal standards that protect social rights in Europe. 

Based on International Labour Standards, the report on ‘Building a Social Pillar for European Convergence’ contains analysis and policy options designed to strengthen social rights in the European Union. It forms a central piece of the ILO’s contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the “European Pillar of Social Rights”.

According to the report, the economic crisis has raised the degree of socio-economic heterogeneity among EU Member States, aggravated by imbalances in structural factors that could intensify in the future. The establishment of a European Pillar of Social Rights could foster upward convergence of socio-economic outcomes by strengthening existing rights and improving social standards in the EU while offering a unique opportunity to embed effective and inclusive social dialogue as part of the governance of the EU.

Based on an analysis of economic and social indicators, the report takes stock of convergence and divergence trends in the EU over the past 15 years. It then examines the role of EU institutions and policies underpinning these trends. On the basis of this analysis, the report proposes policy avenues to encourage upward social convergence at the EU level, focusing particularly on (i) minimum wages and collective bargaining; (ii) minimum income guarantees; (iii) reconciliation of work and family life; (iv) employment promotion and unemployment protection; and (v) human capital and skills development.

The concluding section of the report addresses the political dimension of the European integration process and the importance of building consensus among key actors, especially through social dialogue.

• ILO Report
• Further information