The European Commission Communication "A Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions", adopted in January 2020, seeks to launch a broad debate about the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. At the same time, the Communication is a roadmap for key actions announced by the Commission in the course of 2020-2021. The Commission will draw up an Action Plan in 2021 by December 2020 on the basis of stakeholder contributions, expressing views on the need for further new policy action, accompanied (or not) by legal initiatives at European level.

The key objective is to ensure that the three main transitions that the EU is confronted with – namely, climate neutrality, digitalisation and demographic change - are dealt with in a fair manner.

However, since the adoption of the European Commission Communication, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about the urgent need to address a global health emergency and mitigate its colossal socio-economic consequences.

The aforementioned European Commission's Communication will be the subject of a dedicated new CoR opinion, for which the SEDEC Commission has appointed its Chair, Anne Karjalainen (FI/PES) as rapporteur.

The opinion is scheduled for adoption at the SEDEC Commission meeting of 9 July and at the plenary session of 12-14 October 2020.

By means of this written consultation, Ms Karjalainen, would like to consult relevant stakeholders and gather their input to explore the following questions:

1. Has your (local or regional) authority/organisation been involved in the implementation of one or more aspects of the European Pillar of Social Rights? Which ones?
    
2. Has the implementation of the Social Pillar in the areas of your involvement been a success? What could be improved?
    
3. Do you have any specific comments about the governance of the measures implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights?
    
4. Regarding the overall theme of just transitions, which policy area(s) would you prioritise (maximum 3) in the specific context of your local or regional authority /organisation?
    
5. Have you been confronted with environmental challenges in your city or region/organisation? What measures have been taken to ensure a socially just green transition?
    
6. Digital transition has become a reality on the ground. How do you address its social impact at local and regional level?
    
7. The European Commission has published a roadmap for upcoming initiatives related to the 20 principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. What are your views on this list? Is it appropriate? Would you propose any further European action?
    
8. Has your local or regional authority/organisation been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? In what particular area(s)?
    
9. The COVID-19 pandemic has had inestimable social and economic repercussions. Should the European Commission foresee additional long-term measures to strengthen the resilience of labour markets, protect jobs and ensure the effective delivery of public services at local and regional level?
    

You are kindly invited to contribute to this consultation by sending your replies to the questions above, or any additional comments, to sedec@cor.europa.euuntil 26 May 2020.