In July 2026, the European Commission published its renewed Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), reaffirming its commitment to Social Europe ahead of the Pillar’s 10th anniversary. ENSIE welcomes this renewed attention but stresses that stronger political commitment, adequate funding and concrete implementation measures are needed to translate the Pillar’s principles into tangible improvements for people across Europe.

ENSIE particularly welcomes the recognition of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) in the accompanying Staff Working Document, which acknowledges the social economy and WISEs as strategic actors in creating inclusive employment pathways. However, this recognition is insufficiently reflected in the Communication itself, where the social economy is mentioned only once. ENSIE calls for its transversal contribution to be recognised across EU initiatives addressing employment, affordability, care, housing and youth.
The Communication’s focus on labour market activation and quality jobs is positive, but it lacks concrete solutions addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups and workers requiring additional support. ENSIE therefore calls for WISEs to be recognised within the Quality Jobs Act and included in the EU’s updated job-quality monitoring framework.

ENSIE also welcomes the stronger territorial and inequalities perspectives. Social economy organisations are deeply rooted in communities and can play a key role in creating quality jobs, delivering essential services and strengthening local resilience. ENSIE consequently calls for social economy initiatives, including job guarantees through WISEs, to be integrated into future “right to stay” strategies.
Overall, while the renewed EPSR remains an essential “social compass” for Europe, ENSIE calls for stronger legally binding initiatives, sufficient EU funding and effective implementation to ensure that social rights become a reality for everyone, particularly those furthest from the labour market.