On Monday and Tuesday (15-16 April), the Commission will attend the High-Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights in La Hulpe, Belgium, organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. President Ursula von der Leyen will attend the event on Tuesday, and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit on both days. Other speakers and participants include representatives of the European Parliament, ministers of employment and social affairs from Member States as well as representatives of the Belgian government, social partners and civil society.
The goal of the conference is to bring together policymakers, social partners, civil society and other experts to discuss the future of a social Europe and the continued implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Participants will reflect on the lessons learned, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the increased cost of living. By the end of day two, the “La Hulpe Declaration on the Future of the European Pillar of Social Rights” is expected to be signed. Day two will also feature keynote speeches by President von der Leyen and Commissioner Schmit.
Journalists can register to attend the conference. An agenda of the conference is available online. The conference and the press conference on Tuesday (17:20 CEST), will be livestreamed. On Tuesday, the event and the doorsteps will also be livestreamed on EbS.