On 17 November, heads of state and government endorsed the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, presented by the European Commission at the Social Summit in Gothenburg.
The Pillar aims to create a driver for social change in Europe and a guide towards efficient employment and social outcomes when responding to current and future challenges.
The proclamation covers policy domains in which nurses play a central role, especially those related to Education, Workforce and Quality and Safety, EFN three lobby policy priorities towards the Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament. The 20 principles and rights as set out, link to three overarching themes, namely: 1/ equal opportunities and access to the labour market; 2/ dynamic labour markets and fair working conditions; and 3/ public support /social protection and inclusion.
The EFN calls for nurses’ input to be part of the adequate and efficient implementation of the Social Pillar in the EU. As health and social care is vital for all EU citizens and population, the design of health and social EU policies needs to take up the health and social care professions’ views so that EU citizens keep on trusting frontline.