European Social Model - Website of the European Democrats

European Social Model

The situation

The European social model provides a real safety net for all EU citizens. Today, however, basic social rights are threatened by a lack of common action.

There are reasons for this:

Lack of European dimension:
For too long Europe has been seen as a simple market. However, economic integration cannot be achieved without social integration, otherwise an unhealthy competition between the peoples of Europe will be created..
Imbalance of standards:
By accepting on European territory products from regions of the world that do not respect any of the standards to which our own producers are subject, we provoke an understandable feeling of revolt and rejection among our fellow citizens.

Our proposals

The European Union must consolidate a common social protection floor based on the highest standards of each Member State.

A fiscal and social convergence treaty:
Indispensable for putting an end to excessive distortions within the European Union, this new stage of harmonization will concern in particular the basis and effective rates of corporate taxes and the amounts of social contributions. It must then lead to the establishment of a European minimum income, fair working conditions, fair labour regulations and social legislation (in terms of health, safety, equal opportunities, working hours, vacations, etc.) and adequate remuneration
A Europe of solidarity :
Youth employment is a major priority. This is part of the intergenerational contract, improving their personal conditions while contributing to the financing of social expenses.
Regional solidarity :
Structural fund policies must be pursued to enable the growth of disadvantaged territories, while ensuring that these subsidies are used efficiently and effectively.
Reciprocity of social and environmental clauses in our commercial exchanges :
Reciprocity is the cornerstone of our trade agreements and must protect our producers from distorted competition while providing foreign producers with better working conditions and remuneration.

Our commitments

Every day the PDE defends its ideas through various actions and makes its positions known. For example:

In the European Parliament :
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne and Sylvie Brunet, MEPs members of the EDL, defend our ideas in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.
In our manifesto :
We have been advocating these proposals for several years. They were already at the heart of our first program in 2004.

PDE seminar in Paris

PDE seminar in Paris: reforms, global challenges, and support for François Bayrou

9 September 2025

EDP MEPs in Paris with Gozi, Bayrou and Barrot: priorities for Strasbourg, governance reform, the cost of living, ecological transition and Europe’s global role

Renew Europe summit

EDP takes centre stage at Renew Europe summit in Brussels

30 June 2025

The European Democratic Party co-organised and played a central role in the summit that brought together heads of state and party leaders from our democratic, liberal and centrist family at the Maison de la Poste in Brussels on 26 June. Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the EDP, led the delegation of democrats and contributed to the adoption of the joint declaration “Freedom on the offensive”, a clear and courageous response to the populist wave and the threats to democracy in Europe.

Europe must take its defence

Europe must take its defence into its own hands, without foreign dependence

6 March 2025

Senior members of the European Democratic Party have visited Dáil Éireann, the Irish Parliament, to strengthen ties with Independent Ireland. The delegation was joined by MEP Ciarán Mullooly, along with Independent Ireland TDs Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, Ken O’Flynn, and Michael Fitzmaurice.