Striking a balance between competitiveness and social fairness: what can we expect from the European Pillar of Social Rights?

The solemnly proclaimed European Pillar of Social Rights provides a meaningful response to the process of building a deeper, fairer European Union in the aftermath of the crisis. This chapter aims to provide a critical assessment of the nature, scope, rationale, purpose, content and effectiveness of the Pillar in the light of its potential contribution to foster social fairness and competitiveness in the EU. The Pillar complements and develops the EU’s social acquis and reinforces standards which may provide a fairer and more socially-balanced competitiveness in the EU. Progress has been made, but further efforts are needed to build a sense of common purpose to strengthen the social foundations of the Union.