Social Europe session – Maison Heinrich Heine

As social issues had regained a central place in the European debate — with the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017, followed by numerous initiatives during the previous mandate, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis which underscored the importance of health and social protection systems — they now appear at risk of being pushed back into the background, amid growing priorities around trade, competitiveness, and defense.

It was in this context that the cohort of the Académie Notre Europe gathered on April 11 at the Maison Heinrich Heine to reflect on the role the European Union can play in the areas of employment and social protection.

On this occasion, we had the honor of welcoming Nicolas Schmit, former European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, who looked back on the main social advances of recent years as well as the major challenges that lie ahead for the EU by 2030.

Gabrielle Antoniewski and Emma Bonniol share their account of this exchange.