At the European Employment and Social Rights Forum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed an audience of employers, trade unions, government officials, and civil society representatives. She emphasized the importance of partnership in upholding Europe’s social model, which seeks to balance economic progress with social rights.
Von der Leyen referenced Konrad Adenauer’s belief that “The economy should serve the people, not the people the economy,” noting this principle as central to Europe’s approach. She stated that competitiveness is vital for citizens’ well-being and for maintaining Europe’s social model. According to von der Leyen, “Competitiveness is not an end in itself. It is what underpins our citizens wellbeing and sustains our social model.”
Reflecting on recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, she highlighted joint efforts that protected jobs through programs like SURE and NextGenerationEU. Von der Leyen said these initiatives helped keep 40 million jobs secure during lockdowns and facilitated economic recovery once restrictions eased. She noted that today 3.5 million Europeans are employed due to NextGenerationEU investments and 31 million have received training or education support.
She acknowledged ongoing concerns about Europe’s ability to compete globally amid restructuring and increased competition from state-subsidized rivals. Von der Leyen outlined three priorities: completing the Single Market, investing in skills and quality jobs, and addressing housing affordability.
On the Single Market, she pointed out that since its inception in 1993 it has increased EU GDP by nearly 4% and created approximately 3.6 million jobs. She argued for reducing fragmentation among member states by proposing a “28th regime” later this month—a new framework allowing companies to operate under one set of rules across the EU. Von der Leyen clarified: “Let me clarify that our labour standards will not be put into question.”
She also discussed efforts to simplify mobility for workers within the EU by developing digital tools for social security access and introducing a Fair Labour Mobility package in autumn to remove bureaucratic barriers.
Regarding skills development, von der Leyen cited examples such as Italy’s training of 600,000 people in digital skills through NextGenEU programs designed with input from employers and social partners. She expressed optimism about a future Skills Guarantee aimed at helping workers transition between sectors.
She further explained: “Skills must not only be developed, they must also be valued and rewarded through quality jobs.” The forthcoming Quality Jobs Act aims to ensure worker protection while supporting competitiveness.
Addressing housing affordability, von der Leyen described how high costs impact students, young families, and essential workers like nurses and firefighters. Measures include curbing short-term rentals where they drive up prices, revising State Aid rules for faster investment in housing, directing more EU funds toward affordable housing in future budgets, and presenting a Recommendation on Fighting Housing Exclusion.
Von der Leyen concluded by emphasizing shared responsibility: “None of this can be achieved alone. It requires partnership – with trade unions, employers, workers, governments, and civil society all working together.”
Contact information was provided for Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho as well as Deputy Chief Spokespersons Arianna Podesta and Olof Gill.