Joint Nordic Declaration on the European Pillar of Social Rights
Adopted
Date: 29 November, 2016
Location: Helsinki
Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour (MR-A)
At the meeting of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour in Helsinki on 29 November 2016, we – the
Nordic Ministers for Employment and Labour – discussed the proposal for a European Pillar of Social Rights
and its relationship to the Nordic Labour Markets.
The communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights presents an ambitious initiative. The Nordic
countries support the aim to examine the broader labour market and social tendencies deriving from
demographic changes, new technologies and other factors. EU level discussions on these issues are topical.
A wide consultation process including the social partners and civil society is also supported.
We have a common responsibility for and interest in working towards a more prosperous Europe. It is more
important than ever to come together to discuss how targeted efforts for employment and social progress
in our Member States can contribute to this and deliver on issues that matter for the future of our citizens
and of the EU.
A European Pillar of Social Rights is relevant to all EU and EEA countries. Well-functioning labour markets
and social protection systems are important to all EU and EEA countries. Good working conditions are
fundamental to our citizens and necessary both in the EU and EEA countries also in order to ensure a level
playing field for enterprises. For these reasons it is important to ensure that a Pillar is discussed and
decided by all Member States, and that it remains open to all Member States on equal terms.
It is important to respect national competences and the principle of subsidiarity under the current EU
Treaties when drawing up a Pillar. We do not support any changes to the competences between the EU and
its Member States.
In our view, a Pillar should set a common vision and principles to contribute to a more prosperous EU.
Existing tools and processes could be used in order to implement it, while also assessing employment and
social impacts of various EU policies and actions.
The Nordic experience shows that it is possible to combine social progress with growth and job creation. A
strong Europe should be built on the interplay between growth, competitiveness and solidarity, where
growth and social progress are mutually reinforcing. The Nordic success factors in this process should be
reflected in the upcoming Pillar of social rights.
The aim should be to support Member States in achieving inclusive societies and labour markets - with high
participation in the labour market of both women and men and social protection for all. A gender
perspective and gender equality objectives have to be integrated in the Pillar and its sections.
The Pillar should also respect the national labour market models and social models and their different
policy mixes. Member States have different starting points and different strengths and challenges and there
is no “one size fits all”-solution to create social progress. Despite similarities, substantial differences exist
also between the labour market and social models of the Nordic countries.