Statement on the European Pillar of Social Rights by Denmark
supported by Hungary and Poland
Denmark supports an EU focusing on delivering tangible results to European citizens in areas where joined
efforts create added European value.
Denmark supports a socially responsible Europe that aims at inclusive growth. This commitment is based on
the principles of sustainable growth and the promotion of economic and social progress, as well as
cohesion and convergence, while upholding the integrity of the internal market - a Union taking into
account the diversity of national systems and the key role of social partners, cf. the Bratislava Declaration.
Member States are the primary responsible for ensuring social progress and economic growth through ea.
national structural reforms and sound fiscal policies. European initiatives can and should not seek to
replace national responsibilities in this regard.
It is in this context that Denmark has agreed for the Council to sign the inter-institutional proclamation of
the European Pillar of Social Rights. Denmark notes that a number of important issues have been clarified
in the preamble of the Pillar. While agreeing to the Social Pillar Denmark would like to underline the
following:
The European Pillar of Social Rights contains no new legal rights or obligations but gives political
guidance towards efficient employment and social outcomes in response to current and future
challenges. The rights and principles contained in the European Pillar of Social Rights are not
directly enforceable.
While setting a framework for the work ahead, it should be underlined that the main responsibility
for achieving good social outcomes and well-performing labour markets are primarily - and should
remain - the competence and responsibility of Member States. The European Pillar of Social Rights
does not entail an extension of the Union's powers and tasks as conferred by the Treaties.
Furthermore, the competence and autonomy of Social Partners should be fully respected. Social
partners at all levels have a crucial role to play in pursuing and implementing the European Pillar of
Social Rights, in accordance with their autonomy in concluding agreements and the right to
collective bargaining and collective action.