On 18 June, the European Commission (EC) opened a call for evidence*, and a public consultation** (both available here), for the new Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights. Both calls close on 10 September 2025.
To recall, the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) was launched in 2017 as a main social compass for the EU. It sets out 20 key principles which guide the EU towards a strong social Europe. The EPSR Action Plan published in 2021 intended to help implement its principles across the Union through key actions such as the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and through three key targets:
* Before proposing a new policy or law, or when reviewing an old one, the European Commission prepares a call for evidence, which includes a description of the initiative and invites citizens and stakeholders to provide evidence and opinions. The Commission then uses the responses in developing the initiatives. In the case of this particular call for evidence, stakeholders can submit a text with their views as well as an attachment to complete the information provided.
** Moreover, while a public consultation has the same purpose as a call for evidence: for stakeholders to provide feedback on a new policy that is being drafted by the Commission or reviewing an old one, its structure is different: it has the format of a survey, including open, multiple choice, ranking and rating scale questions.
20 key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights available here.
2021 European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan available here.
More information about the EC public consultation and call for evidence available here. EPR will be participating in the public consultation and will gather feedback from its membership.