Updated CEMR-EPSU framework supports inclusive employment and service delivery
As the European Commission advances its agenda on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reiterates that success hinges on meaningful involvement of local and regional governments, alongside social partners.
CEMR emphasises that the diversity of Europe’s social and labour systems must be fully respected. Rather than setting additional minimum standards at the EU level, the Pillar should serve as a reference framework, offering benchmarks and guidance while preserving subsidiarity and national ownership.
The organisation underlines three main priorities for strengthening the social dimension of the EU:
- Skills for the future: Preparing for digitalisation, demographic change and migrant integration through targeted investment in education and lifelong learning.
- Inclusive labour markets: Supporting active participation of underrepresented groups, including women, older workers, and migrants, to strengthen social cohesion and economic resilience.
- Gender equality: Promoting flexible working conditions, better work-life balance, and innovative employment practices to increase women’s participation in the workforce.
CEMR warns that increasing EU-level regulation in sensitive areas like minimum wages or employment contracts risks undermining national and regional competencies. Instead, the focus should be on empowering local actors to deliver tailored social and employment policies that reflect local realities.
David Simmonds, CEMR spokesperson on local and regional governments as employers, concludes:
“The best way to achieve the goals of the Social Pillar is to recognise the diversity of our territories and fully involve the local level in shaping and implementing social policies. This is the path toward a more inclusive and democratic Social Europe.”
For more information, contact:
Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services
