Is there a need to strengthen social rights in Europe?

Should social rights in Europe be strengthened? Are the European regulations still up to date and how could they be improved? Last year the European Commission launched a broad public consultation regarding these questions. The DGUV has participated in this process. The response of the DGUV is summarized in the Comments by the German Social Accident Insurance (Abridged Version).

• Social rights should be strengthened, but the existing regulations are sufficient.
• A positive economic development correlates with good social protection. The latter is the responsibility of the Member States.
• A Pillar of Social Rights may establish only general, non-binding principles and guidelines to give new impulses.
• The existing social security coordination rules should be further developed, particularly adding clear rules on vocational rehabilitation.