“Social Pillar: from Ideas to Impact” 15/05/2017 Frank Sioen European Network on Independent Living - ENIL

Overview What is the European Pillar of Social Rights? What were the different steps leading up to the proposal? What is the content of the current proposal? What will be the impact of the Social Pillar on future European and national policy? Initiatives accompanying the Pillar

What is the European Pillar of Social Rights? A collection of social rights on the topics of employment, different types and patterns of work, working conditions and social protection such as benefits The EU wants the Social Pillar to be a benchmark for social rights across Europe Member states should aim to implement the Pillar and afford all citizens these social rights However, it is a recommendation, not a law and it may be difficult to implement

What were the different steps leading up to the proposal? 09/09/2015: Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced the European Pillar of Social Rights in his state of the union 08/03/2016: The first outline of the Pillar was presented Until 31/12/2016: Public Consultation 26/04/2017: Commission Proposal

The first outline (1.1) 20 Principals in 3 chapters CHAPTER I : EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCESS TO THE LABOUR MARKET CHAPTER II : FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS CHAPTER III : ADEQUATE AND SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION

The first outline (1.2) Disability in the chapter on Social Protection Persons with disabilities shall be ensured enabling services and basic income security that allows them a decent standard of living. The conditions of benefit receipt shall not create barriers to employment. Access to quality and affordable long-term care services, including home-based care, provided by adequately qualified professionals shall be ensured Nothing in areas such as education or support to employment

Public Consultation ENIL participated to the consultation ENIL position paper Sending a questionnaire to ENIL members to draft a response to the online consultation Attending and speaking at consultation meetings Main ENIL demands Mainstream disability to all areas Rights instead of benefits Community based services (including PA), not long term care Fully accessible services EU definition of disability Enforceable Social Pillar

What is the content of the current proposal? (1.1) Commission Recommendation Again 3 Chapters and 20 Principals Improvements Right to quality and inclusive education People with disabilities have the right to income support that ensures living in dignity, services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society, and a work environment adapted to their needs. Everyone has the right to affordable long-term care services of good quality, in particular home-care and community-based services.

What is the content of the current proposal? (2.2) Missed opportunities: No mention of PA (Budget) Access to services Measures to support access to these services shall be available for those in need. No EU definition of disability No enforcement mechanism

The Pillar is a recommendation→ What will be the impact of the Social Pillar on future European policy? (1.1) The Pillar is a recommendation→ Given the legal nature of the Pillar, these principles and rights are not directly enforceable: they require a translation into dedicated action and/or separate legislation, at the appropriate level. → Direct impact will be limited, but the Pillar will guide new EC proposals

What will be the impact of the Social Pillar on future national policy The Commission will propose to the Council and the Parliament to jointly adopt the Pillar on 17 November Until 17 November the EC will negotiate with the Parliament and the Council → Direct impact will be limited, but the Pillar will guide new EU (EP) and National ((European)Council) legislation

Initiatives accompanying the Pillar Together with the Pillar the Commission launched 3 initiatives to put the Pillar into practice at EU level WLB package ( combination of legislation and guidance) Consultation on access to social protection Consultation on modernising the rules on labour contracts → More concrete impact

What can you do? Mail your MEP to encourage the Parliament to take a strong position on the recommendation proposed by the Commission Need for a monitoring mechanism EU-wide definition or recognition of disability Need to include PA(Budget) in WLB package Use the Pillar as an advocacy tool at national level

Thank you! frank.sioen@enil.eu ENIL www.enil.eu ENIL Brussels Office Mundo J, Rue de l’Industrie 10, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 0032 (0)2 893 25 83