What can the EU do?
However, it should be noted that the European integration project does not only comprise economic objectives. It also has a a social dimension that requires the EU to promote a high level of employment, social protection and inclusion. In September 2015, the Commission President Juncker announced the establishment of a "European Pillar of Social Rights" which should be a self-standing reference document, of a legal nature, setting out key principles and values shared at EU level.
Accordingly, the EU shares with the Member States the responsibility for policy in the fields of employment, working conditions, social affairs as well as fostering equality between men and women. In line with the Europe 2020 growth strategy, the European employment strategy seeks to create more jobs and to better coordinate national employment strategies.
With one of its flagship initiatives, Europe 2020 also pursues the objective to fight against poverty and social exclusion delivering actions across the whole policy spectrum: from the labour market and minimum income support to healthcare, education and housing.
In addition to funding for job-creation and social protection, the EU also supports measures aiming at reduction of the disparities between the various levels of development of particular regions in order to enhance territorial cohesion.