Panteia Awarded project to Evaluate Key EU Social Directives for the European Economic and Social Committee

Panteia is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to conduct an important study evaluating the implementation and enforcement of key EU social directives under the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) framework. This study will contribute to the groundwork for the European Commission’s review of the EPSR Action Plan in 2025, a pivotal moment for social policy in the EU.

Project Objectives

The European Commission’s upcoming review of the EPSR Action Plan marks a critical milestone in the EU’s efforts to meet its 2030 social targets. The EESC has played a central role in shaping and advancing the Social Pillar, and this study will provide essential insights to support its ongoing efforts, particularly for the Workers Group, whose agenda prioritizes many of the initiatives in the Action Plan.

This project aims to assess the transposition, implementation, and enforcement of four key directives under the EPSR framework:

• Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive
• Adequate Minimum Wages Directive
• Work-Life Balance Directive
• Gender Balance on Company Boards Directive

The study will also identify legislative gaps, examine barriers to effective enforcement, and offer recommendations for improving implementation across the EU.

Scope of the Study

The study will focus on the implementation of these directives in a representative selection of EU Member States. In addition to Spain, Germany, France, and Poland, the analysis will include ten more countries to ensure balanced coverage of Europe’s diverse welfare and industrial relations systems.

The study will:

• Evaluate Transposition and Implementation: Assess how the selected EU social directives have been transposed and implemented across Member States, identifying gaps and understanding the reasons behind incomplete or inadequate implementation.
• Analyse Enforcement Challenges: Investigate barriers to effective enforcement of the directives and highlight opportunities for improvement.
• Advance Implementation Theories: Contribute to the academic and practical understanding of EU-level implementation and enforcement mechanisms, such as European Administrative Networks and cooperation between national administrations and the European Commission.
• Support EESC Priorities: Provide actionable insights to strengthen the EPSR Action Plan, assisting the Workers Group and EU institutions in advancing social policy.

The findings will directly support the Workers Group’s agenda, “Pushing for Social Progress,” by contributing to the EESC’s legislative work and interinstitutional dialogue. These insights will help guide future EU social policy, ensuring that the EPSR Action Plan achieves its objectives and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Panteia is honoured to lead this vital project, drawing on our extensive expertise in policy evaluation, EU social policy, and cross-country analysis. By providing actionable, evidence-based insights, we aim to assist the EESC and other stakeholders in improving the implementation of the EPSR Action Plan and driving social progress across Europe.

We look forward to collaborating with the EESC and other key partners on this impactful initiative.

For further information on this project, please contact Martin Clarke.