European countries reaffirm importance of European Social Charter at conference in Chișinău

Ministers and senior representatives from Council of Europe member states have adopted a forward-looking declaration reaffirming their commitment to social rights and to the European Social Charter at the Conference on social rights - the European Social Charter. The event was hosted by the Council of Europe and the of the Council of Europe in Chișinău.

By adopting the declaration, European countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the European Social Charter and to the protection of social rights, linking social justice to democratic stability and resilience.

Innovation to support social rights

They welcome the initiative on a New Democratic Pact for Europe, noting that with social justice as a key objective, the pact offers an opportunity for renewed commitments, integrated solutions across sectors and innovative ways to support social rights.

The declaration calls for effective implementation of rights, including fair working conditions, social protection, and support for vulnerable groups such as children, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, and Roma communities. Member states commit to gender-responsive policies, active participation, and strong social dialogue. The declaration emphasises the importance of following the European Committee of social rights' conclusions and enhancing coordination with national and local authorities. It underlines the need for cooperation with Council of Europe bodies and international organisations to strengthen the charter's practical impact.

Preserving democracy means ensuring it delivers for all

"Our experience has shown that when people feel protected, they are less vulnerable to manipulation. When they have opportunities, they are more confident in their future. That is why we continue our efforts to promote social equality - efforts that remain fully aligned with the principles of the European Social Charter. Because if we are serious about preserving democracy, we must ensure that it delivers for all," the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, underlined in her opening speech.

"There is no democratic security without social rights," said Council of Europe . "At a time of war, economic shocks and rising inequality, delivering on the European Social Charter puts social justice where it belongs: at the centre of democratic stability."

Participation from across the continent and beyond

The conference brought together ministers and other senior officials responsible for social rights and social policy, Council of Europe officials, as well as representatives of the European Union institutions, the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation. Participants also included representatives of civil society, social partners, academia, national human rights institutions, equality bodies and their European networks.

In the framework of the conference, Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Croatia, France, Lithuania, Malta and Norway undertook additional provisions of the European Social Charter, signalling their intention to further strengthen the protection of social rights. Notably France extended the application of charter to the following overseas territories: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion Island, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

The conference forms part of a broader programme of events held in Chișinău, including eleven addressing different aspects of social rights and social policy, such as the digitalisation of social protection systems and its impact on access to benefits, social rights a reality for young people, ensuring rights in overseas territories, strengthening health literacy, and adapting the European Social Charter to the digital era. Discussions also covered demographic resilience and human capital, multilevel governance in implementing social rights, Roma inclusion and the future of work, the role of social rights in strengthening resilience in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and building stronger links between the European Social Charter and the European Pillar of social rights.

The next Conference on social rights - the European Social Charter will be held under the Portuguese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Read the declaration in full

Learn more about how the European Social Charter helps Europeans