Commenting the Social Dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union

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6 December 2013
The Commission published its Communication on the Social Dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) aiming to deepen social integration of the EMU. It makes a link between the economic and labour market reforms and “the social implications of these reforms that are necessary to boost jobs, growth and enhance competitiveness”. But it are Member States that are responsible for the running and financial sustainability of their chosen social policy models.
  1. The four indicators the Commission defined are difficult to measure and controversial since they are linked with political values of a society touching upon the redistribution of income. Social security systems, distribution and associated reforms are a Member States’ competence and have to stay at that level. All Member States are also responsible for ensuring the financing of the social-policy model they have chosen. However, the introduction of these social indicators may at no circumstances lead to less ambitious reforms at national level to (re)gain the necessary competitiveness of Member States on the global market.
  2. The Commission proposes to enhance solidarity and reinforce labour mobility. The worker mobility should indeed be further encouraged, barriers identified and overcome. This would be in the benefit of the European businesses’ and employees’ needs. It must however be clarified that solidarity within the EU can only be requested if every single Member State takes its responsibility.
  3. The Commission proposes to strengthen social dialogue. This is very welcome and should be strengthened both at national and EU level. We appreciate especially the proposals of the Commission to improve social partners’ involvement in the whole process of the European Semester. Further, The Communication me