From Declaration to Action: WOW´s recommendation for a social Europe

WOW Europe has just released a new policy paper providing key input for the future of the European social agenda. We present our vision for a Europe where human dignity, digital security, and democratic pluralism go hand in hand.

In this paper, we outline how the EU can translate the ambitions of the La Hulpe Declaration into concrete actions that respect the „whole person“.

Summary of WOW’s Recommendations to EU Policymakers
To provide an immediate overview of our vision for a social Europe, WOW proposes the following:

• Uphold the Social Compass: Actively utilize the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) in all legislative initiatives to ensure that green and digital transitions are socially just.
• Prioritize Lifelong Learning: Make digital literacy and AI skills a legally protected right for all European workers to counteract social inequality.
• Protect Humans in the Digital Transition: Introduce legal requirements for information and consultation when implementing AI systems that monitor or manage employees.
• Ensure Pluralistic Involvement: Open social dialogue forums to independent and value-based trade unions. Democratic legitimacy requires diversity.

Introduction
This policy paper is based on the key discussions at the seminar „Are we heading towards a social and just EU, or are we letting social values down?“. As a representative of independent trade unions across Europe, WOW sees an urgent need to ensure that the social ambitions of the La Hulpe Declaration are translated into concrete action that respects human dignity, pluralism, and Christian social values.

1. Christian Social Values: People Before Economy
WOW finds its inspiration in the belief that every human being is created with a unique, unavoidable dignity. This means that the economy must serve humanity—not the other way around.

• Subsidiarity and Solidarity: We must find a balance where decisions are made as close to the citizen as possible, while simultaneously showing solidarity with the most vulnerable.
• Social Justice: We strive for a fair distribution of work and income. A social Europe must allow space for the „whole person“—including family life and spiritual well-being.

2. Artificial Intelligence: Technology in the Service of Humanity
In line with WOW’s roadmap for AI, we maintain that technology must never replace the moral status of the human being. AI should enrich jobs, not merely replace them.

• Human Control: AI must always align with human values. We demand „human-in-control“ to ensure algorithms never make the final decisions regarding a person’s career or livelihood.
• The Right and Duty to Learn: We recommend the establishment of an EU fund for AI upskilling. Every employee must have the right to continuous, paid education in digital literacy and critical thinking to protect their market value and well-being.
• Psychosocial Work Environment: EU occupational health and safety regulations must be updated to specifically address the risks posed by AI, such as increased work intensity and „algorithmic management.“

3. Investing in Social Stability
In a time of conflict at our borders and economic pressure from global superpowers the EU must not abandon its social values. Only a Europe that combines competitiveness with social security, and is strongly value-based, can remain stable, fair, and resilient in the long term.

• Competitiveness with a Human Face: Strong competitiveness and social rights are not contradictions; they are prerequisites for one another. A secure workforce is a productive workforce.
• From Declaration to Action: The La Hulpe Declaration must be followed by binding initiatives that protect against social dumping and ensure decent working conditions.

4. Every Voice Must Count in Social Dialogue
For WOW, it is a fundamental democratic challenge to include all sectors of the labour movement in the social dialogue.

• The Value of Diversity: Many of WOW’s members represent trade unions that offer a genuine, value-based alternative. Including these diverse voices ensures that the specific needs of millions of European workers are not overlooked.
• Democratic Representation: WOW calls on the European Commission and national policymakers to ensure a pluralistic dialogue where representativeness is measured by professional diversity and ideological foundation, ensuring all legal trade unions have access to consultation.