Joint Statement by Executive Vicepresident Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and Portuguese Minister Ana Mendes Godinho

1st Anniversary of the Porto Social Summit

Today marks the first anniversary of the Porto Social Summit, organised by the former Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU in Porto on 7-8 May 2021.

Against the backdrop of the effects of the pandemic and the transformations triggered by the twin transitions, the Porto Social Summit brought together EU leaders, social partners and civil society, placing people at the centre of Europe's recovery to ensure that no one is left behind.

Today, as Europe feels the impact of Russia's unjustified and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, it is essential to continue strengthening Europe's economy and social dimension, and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all, including new arrivals to the EU.

Last year, on this day, partners signed the Porto Social Commitment, one of the most comprehensive and ambitious tripartite commitments ever reached in the European Union.

On 8 May, the European Heads of State and government adopted the ‘Porto Declaration', establishing the priorities for the further implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights across the EU.

Both agreements welcomed the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan presented by the Commission and endorsed its three 2030 headline targets:

• An employment rate of at least 78% in the European Union
• At least 60% of adults attending training courses every year
• Reducing the number of people at risk of social exclusion or poverty by at least 15 million people, including 5 million children.

Since then, the EU has continued working towards more social and economic fairness and resilience, including by promoting the adequacy of minimum wages, improving the working conditions in the platform economy, increasing pay transparency, and by establishing a European Child Guarantee, the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness, the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030, and the Social Economy Action Plan, among others.

Delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights is a vital responsibility for us all to promote the well-being of our citizens and protect our shared aims and values.

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With the aim to further contribute to the social dimension of our Union, Portugal will organise a forum every two years in Porto in connection to the milestones of the Porto Social Commitment, starting on its second anniversary, in May 2023.