NEW INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND DEVELOPMENTS OF THE SOCIAL POLICY AT THE EU LEVEL

The landscape of social policy which is evolving within the EU presents challenges and opportunities for both institutional reform and policy innovation. Our research explores the potential of social policy in order to occupy a more central role in EU governance, and to also enhance the well-being of the European citizens. The challenge at hand is to strengthen social policy mechanisms at the supranational European level as to reinforce the EU’s social dimension, ensuring at the same time greater cohesion and fairness across all member states. Social policy is one of the fundamental aspects of European integration, aiming at ensuring that the EU is not only a common market, but also a community which is centered on its citizens. The Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, after the Lisbon Treaty, establish as core objectives: social cohesion, workers' rights, and, of course, employment protection. This article examines the following aspects: the evolution of EU social policy over time, the competence structure, and new transversal approaches to labor market challenges. A key focus is the competence distribution within social policy, especially the distinction between shared, coordination, and complementary competences in the EU. Moreover, this article addresses key policy areas, such as: social security coordination, minimum wage frameworks, worker protection, and professional internships. The Draghi Report that is cited in this paper highlights the skills gap, stressing the need for EU-wide investment in training and mobility. Also, the Minimum Wage Directive (2022/2041) and regulations on platform workers shows the EU’s commitment to reduce inequalities and ensuring fair labor conditions. Finally, the article considers potential institutional reforms to strengthen the EU’s social governance, arguing for an enhanced role in ensuring labor market resilience and social cohesion. By analyzing institutional perspectives and transversal approaches, this study contributes to the debate on expanding the EU’s social dimension for the benefit of all citizens.