The European Pillar of Social Rights: A key vehicle to improving health for all

Building a more inclusive and fairer Union is a key priority for the European Commission (EC). In March 2016, the EC presented a preliminary outline of the European Pillar of Social Rights and launched a broad public consultation. One year later, the EC published its final proposal for the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Pillar sets out a number of key principles and rights to support fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems and more resilient economic structures. The Pillar is designed as a compass for a renewed process of convergence towards better working and living conditions. It is primarily conceived for the euro area but open to all EU Member States.

The EPSR , when implemented, will lead to a reduction of health inequalities – the unjust and avoidable differences in health between population groups. Approximately 90% of health inequalities can be explained by financial insecurity, social exclusion, and lack of decent work and poor working conditions as well as poor quality housing[i]. These are the exact areas that are also covered by the EPSR. Access to quality health care only accounts for about 10% of differences in health status across different socio-economic groups.

Find the factsheet here