Employment and social policy
European society is changing, influenced by different factors such as technological progress, the globalisation of trade and an ageing population. European employment, social affairs and equal opportunities policies contribute to improving people’s living conditions with a view to sustainable growth and greater social cohesion. The European Union (EU) plays the role of a trigger in social change. It has introduced a protective legal framework for European citizens. It fosters the cooperation of Member States, the coordination and harmonisation of national policies, and the participation of local authorities, unions, employers’ organisations and other stakeholders involved.
The priority aims of this policy are to increase employment and worker mobility, to improve the quality of jobs and, working conditions, to inform and consult workers, to combat poverty and social exclusion, to promote equality between men and women, and to modernise social protection systems.
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European Strategy for Growth
Europe 2020 Strategy, Intelligent growth, Sustainable growth, Inclusive growth -
Priorities and objectives: the social agenda
Social agenda -
Community employment policies
Partnership for growth and employment, Legal instruments for Community employment policies, Skills and mobility, Quality of employment -
Social and employment situation in europe
Reports, Statistics -
Job creation measures
General job creation measures, Promoting employment at a local level, Sectoral job creation promotion -
Employment rights and work organisation
Protection of employee's rights, Organisation of working time, Corporate social responsibility -
Social dialogue and employee participation
Cross-industry social dialogue, Sectoral social dialogue, Information, consultation and participation of employees -
Health, hygiene and safety at work
Equipment, signs and loads, Protection of specific groups of workers, The workplace, Chemical, physical and biological agents -
Social protection
Coordination of social security regimes, Supplementary pension schemes, Modernising social protection -
Equality between men and women
Gender mainstreaming, Female employment and entrepreneurship, Combating sexual harassment and violence against women -
Social measures for target groups: disability and old age
Equal opportunities, Rights and dignity of handicapped persons, Pensions and healthcare for the elderly, Demographic changes -
Social inclusion and the fight against poverty
Combating social exclusion, Social protection and the fight against poverty -
Anti-discrimination and relations with civil society
Combating discrimination, Fundemental social rights, Relations with civil society -
Employment and social policy: international dimension and enlargement
Social development, Measures aimed at target groups, Enlargement
See also
- Free movement of workers
- Overviews of European Union: Employment and Social Affairs
- Further information: Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Directorate-General of the European Commission