AEIP Press Release: Report of the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU
On 7 February 2023 the launch event of the report of the High-Level Group on the Future of the Welfare State took place. In its final report, the High-Level Group developed a vision on how to reinforce social protection systems and the welfare state considering ongoing and new challenges, in a medium to long-term (looking ahead to 2030). The conclusions of the report underscore the importance of an inclusive and fair welfare state to minimise social risks and mitigate economic hardship, while supporting economic output and individual well-being. A modern welfare state should provide strong buffers against economic shocks and invest in ‘stepping stones’ that help people across critical life-course transitions. Recognising there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for the diverse European welfare states, the report puts forward a list of 21 recommendations to modernise and reinforce the welfare state.
AEIP welcomes the conclusions of the report and considers it as an important step towards reconciling the European growth agenda with social rights and to support the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).
Nevertheless, AEIP has published a press release pointing out some observations.
AEIP press release is available here.
The Report of the High-Level Group is available here: Report of the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU – Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion – European Commission (europa.eu)