As Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the next College of Commissioners on 17 September, three words were at the centre of her vision: prosperity, security, and democracy. But in the background, one essential word was largely absent: social.
In her political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024−2029, President von der Leyen emphasised the importance of social protection and cohesion. Nevertheless, a careful glance at the Commissioners-designate portfolios reveals a significant realignment of priorities. Compared to the last term, social policies have now become a subcategory within the responsibilities of several Commissioners. It begs the question: where does this leave the European Union's commitment to its social model?
Who will be responsible for strengthening our social model?
During the last term, the European Commission had clearly defined leadership in social issues. The Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights had a focused mandate to strengthen Europe’s social dimension, with a specific emphasis on delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). Additionally, a Commissioner for Democracy and Demography and a Commissioner of Europe Fit for the Digital Age reflected an EU that placed social cohesion at the forefront of its agenda.
In the new Commission, the responsibilities under jobs and social rights seem to have been transferred to a new configuration of roles: Commissioner for People, Skills and Preparedness, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management (with equality issues under this mandate) and for the first time, a Commissioner for Energy and Housing. Similar to the last term, there will also be a Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform.
Commissioner for People, Skills and Preparedness
According to the mission letter, the responsibility to uphold the principles of the EPSR—the EU's flagship social policy—now falls to Roxana Minzatu, Commissioner for People, Skills, and Preparedness. Her portfolio covers many topics, from a new Action Plan for the EPSR, the European Child Guarantee, to a new Antipoverty Strategy and addressing long-term care workforce challenges. But, here’s the challenge: these issues, while critical, are part of a much broader portfolio that covers everything from workforce skills to preparedness for future crises. Without social inclusion as a clear priority, how will these policies maintain their impact and urgency?
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management; Equality
Hadja Lahbib will lead efforts on equality and inclusion, an essential part of Europe’s commitment to a fair society. She will address critical issues such as minority rights, the Strategy for the Rights of People with Disabilities, and combatting violence against women and domestic violence. These are also important issues for social services, as they are on the frontline of preventative and intervention services to ensure the health and wellbeing of people belonging to vulnerable communities. But where do essential social services, such as child protection, fit this agenda?
ESN’s call for a coordinated approach
The fact that a social rights Commissioner was not appointed is disappointing. Alfonso Lara Montero, CEO of the European Social Network (ESN), has voiced concern over this development, stressing:
“These are the risky consequences of the Commission increasingly calling most themes social for the past 10 years. Social may gradually disappear from the policy agenda as an expert subject, as a target related to inclusion as a specific area of work.”
Looking ahead to when Commissioners present their priorities to the European Parliament, MEPs have the opportunity to request President von der Leyen and specific commissioners defending their portfolio that there is a commissioner designate for social affairs or social rights with a specific mandate for social inclusion. Moreover, with areas such as disability, domestic violence, and child protection being managed by different departments, a coordinated approach is necessary to avoid fragmentation and ensure cross-sectoral policies that effectively address social challenges.