European Semester 2025: Employment and social priorities

This resolution sets out the European Parliament's priorities for economic and social policy coordination in the EU for 2025. It aims to foster upward social convergence, reduce poverty and social exclusion, and ensure decent working conditions for all citizens.

The priorities affect all EU citizens, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as children, young people, persons with disabilities, older people, and those from minority backgrounds. It also addresses challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and workers in sectors undergoing transitions.

Key changes include a stronger emphasis on implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, enhanced monitoring of social challenges through the Social Convergence Framework, and calls for increased investment in education, skills, affordable housing, and social services.

The resolution highlights the need for Member States to align fiscal responsibility with sustainable and inclusive growth, involving social partners in policy development. It also calls for better data collection on social services and a unified definition of homelessness.