The Prime Ministers and Heads of State from all EU Member States along with Presidents of the European Commission, Council and Parliament met in Porto on 7-8 May 2021 to discuss the next steps to build more Social Europe.

This was an important opportunity and a test for the future of the EU, when more than ever, the pressure is on to deliver for people and their rights. Four years after the first Social Summit in Gothenburg, and over 12 months since the Covid-19 outbreak, it was high time for decision-makers to take stock of the lessons learned so far, and agree on how to move forward.

What happened and what are the main takeaways? 

Political leaders came together to discuss and endorse the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s vision for job creation, tackling poverty, and promoting social inclusion in the coming years. Our Vice-President Frédéric Piccavet, Board Member María Rodríguez Alcázar, and the President of National Youth Council of Portugal (CNJ), João Pedro Videira were at the Summit to represent the voice of young people.  

As expected, the impact of the pandemic, and the extent to which it has exacerbated existing inequalities, including for youth, was at the core of the debate.

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