The Socialisms of the European Pillar of Social Rights

The EU Council of Ministers [1] has endorsed the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Pillar consists of 20 principles that aim to provide equal working conditions and social protection, but in essence represent a violation of the fundamental ideas of a market economy and society. Although it does not have the force of law, the Pillar is a political commitment, a responsibility and a minimum agenda for Member States. It will be a reference point for employment policies at national and European level.

The deeply entrenched socialist ideas and policies in Stylba are worrisome

Principle 14 opens the door to the introduction of an unconditional basic income (UBI) because it states that people without sufficient means have the right to adequate minimum income benefits, as well as effective access to goods and support services.

The latest Dalia Research study on society and the economy in the EU shows the following worrying results

• in a referendum on introducing a BDD, 68% would support it
• 42% believe it will create more equality and opportunity
• But only 1/4 of the 11,000 people surveyed fully understand what it is.
• 24% would vote “against” the BBD

That is, the member states will now have the political basis to introduce a completely unjustified economic, and moral, measure that most people want, precisely because they do not understand. The BDD will punish the most productive and successful economic units, whose labor and high taxes will go to their less hardworking compatriots. According to the conclusion of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the BDD will not fight poverty unless taxes are increased. The OECD study shows that it is not the poorest, but the middle class that will benefit from such a model.

The Pillar of Social Rights also promotes the misconception that health care is not a service. Principle 16 treats health care as a privilege to which everyone is entitled, stating that “ everyone has the right to timely access to affordable preventive and curative health care of good quality.” However, health care is a service like any other – one that must be economized because it is scarce.

If we want the quality of healthcare to be high and its supply to be effectively managed, it must be offered on a market basis. Not to mention that granting any such "rights" to specific goods and services actually violates the rights of taxpayers. Because they are the ones who will have to pay for the "free" healthcare that the state provides to those who cannot afford paid one. This is something that violates the rights of citizens to their personal income and property.

"Social" rights violate the right to private property

Another foundation of a well-developed market society, namely the protection of private property, is also threatened by the Pillar, whose 19th principle states that people in need of shelter should be provided with access to good quality social housing. In many places in Western Europe, where local authorities allow themselves to provide private property to the homeless, under the pretext that these properties have not been managed and the public interest prevails, this is already a fact.

This principle is another carte blanche for people who are inclined to settle illegally on other people's property. There are many examples of people from minority groups occupying parks or buildings in Bulgaria, Romania or France. After being forcibly evicted, they manage to condemn the respective country in Strasbourg, whose case law, unfortunately, has long implemented this principle of the Pillar.

Access to basic services such as water, electricity, transport or communications is also written as a “right”. Again, the problem here is the same as with healthcare. Again, taxpayers are the ones who will have to cover the financial dimension of this “right” so that those in need can use the services.

The interinstitutional proclamation involving the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission will be signed in Gothenburg on 17 November during the Fair Jobs and Growth Summit.

[1] Consisting of ministers from all EU Member States responsible for employment, social affairs, health and consumer policy (EPSCO Council).

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