AEIP responds to European Commission Call for Evidence on the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan 2025
The European Association of Paritarian Institutions (AEIP) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the upcoming 2025 European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan. Building on its longstanding support of the EPSR, AEIP highlights the crucial role of paritarian social protection institutions in delivering the objectives of the Pillar, and calls for their formal recognition as key partners in its implementation.
Since the adoption of the first EPSR Action Plan in 2021, the socio-economic context in Europe has changed considerably, with new pressures on social systems arising from global crises, inflation, demographic shifts, and labour market challenges. AEIP believes the 2025 Action Plan represents a decisive opportunity to strengthen social protection, reinforce social dialogue, and ensure that EU policies are responsive to today’s realities.
Paritarian governance and social dialogue
AEIP stresses that paritarian institutions are a proven model for building fair, sustainable, and inclusive welfare systems. The Action Plan should formally acknowledge their role and support their wider adoption, as this governance model embodies the EU’s social market economy and underpins EPSR principles on social dialogue and participatory policymaking.
Pension adequacy and coverage
Expanding occupational pension coverage remains a central challenge in Europe. AEIP calls on the Commission to support Member States in strengthening collective bargaining and paritarian institutions, which are essential for broadening access to adequate pensions. While auto-enrolment can be a useful tool in some Member States, it must respect national contexts and should never undermine existing mandatory or paritarian schemes.
Fair working conditions and enforcement
AEIP urges stronger investment in labour inspectorates and cross-border collaboration to close enforcement gaps, particularly in sectors with high mobility. Ensuring consistent application of EU labour law, combined with support from paritarian organisations, is essential to safeguard workers’ rights and promote fair competition.
Vocational rehabilitation and informal carers
The response highlights the need for new EU initiatives on vocational rehabilitation services to support workers returning after illness or injury, and for enhanced recognition and support of informal carers. Both are vital to increasing employment rates, reducing poverty, and promoting gender equality.
Collective schemes and financial literacy
AEIP also calls for greater support for collective occupational health and income protection schemes, which can complement statutory systems, particularly for workers in non-standard employment. In addition, the Action Plan should integrate financial literacy initiatives, raising awareness of pension rights and promoting tools such as the European Tracking Service (ETS).
AEIP looks forward to engaging with the European Commission, Member States, and social partners to ensure that the 2025 Action Plan strengthens the European social model and delivers tangible improvements in people’s lives.
To read our full response, please click here.
See the position paper here.