Advancing Social Europe: EPSR Workshop in Brussels

Two days of high-level exchange on the European Pillar of Social Rights — from conception at EU-level to implementation on the ground

On 29 and 30 January 2026, Samaritan International (SAM.I.) convened a two-day workshop in Brussels dedicated to the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). Bringing together member organisations from across Europe and the Western Balkans alongside officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), the event provided an in-depth look at where the EU stands on its social commitments — and what remains to be done.

Day One: The State of Social Europe

The workshop opened with a comprehensive introduction to the EPSR delivered by DG EMPL. Participants were introduced to the Pillar’s twenty principles, its three headline targets — on employment, skills and poverty reduction — and the key achievements since the Porto Summit. Her presentation then turned to the challenges ahead, drawing on findings from the public consultation and call for evidence that will feed into the upcoming new Action Plan.

Following the general introduction, the focus was shifted to specific principles and the related policy initiatives. As an overarching upcoming policy strategy, the upcoming Anti-poverty strategy was presented.

Principles that were covered in depth included:

• Principle 17: Inclusion of people with disabilities
• Principle 18: Long-Term Care
• Pinciple 11: Childcare and Support to Children

Day Two: Member Organisations in Action

The second morning session was dedicated to showcasing the work of SAM.I. member organisations under selected EPSR principles. Through posters and short presentations, participants illustrated how civil society is already delivering on the Pillar’s commitments — often in contexts where public provision falls short. A full brochure of the projects is available via SAM.I.’s EPSR Info Corner.

Full brochure: Collection of Good Practices

Looking Ahead

The Brussels workshop kicked-off the work programme of Samaritan International’s Social Preparedness and Resilience Initiative and reaffirmed the central place of the European Pillar of Social Rights in SAM.I.’s policy work. As the European Commission finalises a new EPSR Action Plan and the Anti-Poverty Strategy, civil society organisations have an important role, not only in the provision of services, but also to make Member States and EU institutions accountable to their social commitments.

SAM.I. will continue to track developments through the European Semester cycle and deepen engagement with EU initiatives on the EPSR principles, to increase awareness and capacity of its member organisations to advocate both on the national and on EU-level.