Welcome to the European Parliamentary Research Service Podcasts.

Equal opportunities, quality jobs, better work-life balance, access to quality healthcare and education.

Today we'll be talking about the European pillar of social rights and the new momentum around the EU's social dimension.

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There are certainly differences between member states, but one thing is clear.

Europe is home to the most equal societies in the world, the highest standards of working

conditions and generous social protection.

The EU's social dimension developed as a way to help citizens come to terms with change

and its consequences, notably the completion of the internal market and the economic

integration of its member states. And it has gradually asserted itself.

Moving beyond social policy to mainstreaming the social dimension across all EU policies,

from the economy to trade, agriculture or innovation.

Because, as President Sassily from the European Parliament says,

thinking socially is simply part of Europe's DNA.

The pilastro social, the rights social are... thinking socially is simply part of Europe's DNA.

The social pillar, the social rights, they're part of our identity.

How can we help Europe show more solidarity, more consensus, more capabilities and resilience to be a global player.

If we disregard our social pillar, what holds us together?

So when, in November 2017, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission

proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights at the Gothenburg Summit,

it was considered to be a major step in strengthening Social Europe.

It was the fourth major attempt to strengthen the social dimension of the EU.

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