The European Union’s commitment to its social model remains stronger than ever as the continent emerges into a post-pandemic world. The recent Porto Social Summit called for faster progress towards achieving the EU’s Pillar of Social Rights, which forms the backbone of the EU’s approach to social policy. Restoring and creating new opportunities for employment is a key priority for the European Commission, especially in the context of the green and digital transitions at the heart of the EU’s ambitions for economic transformation. The third episode of the European Commission’s podcast Europe Calling features Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit. In a wide-ranging interview focusing in particular on the challenges of youth unemployment in a post-pandemic age, Commissioner Schmit outlines the EU’s approach to making the Union’s commitment to stronger social rights a reality in people’s lives and livelihoods. Commissioner Schmit will also be responding to concerns raised by a leading youth NGO about young people’s inclusion in the labour market, and by a priest in Sardinia working at the sharp end of young people’s welfare in the highly seasonal and vulnerable tourist economy.

The European Union’s focus is shifting from crisis management to promoting a strong, sustainable recovery. With vaccination gathering pace, the Commission is putting the European Green Deal and digital transformation at the heart of its strategy to future-proof Europe’s economy. The EU’s internal market – the largest in the world, covering 450 million people – will also be integral to boosting competitiveness, driving growth and creating jobs. And NextGenerationEU, the Union’s €750 billion recovery plan unlocked just two weeks ago, offers a unique opportunity to confront the continent’s long-term economic and social challenges. The second episode of Europe Calling features Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, whose portfolio covers everything from cybersecurity to intellectual property, SMEs to space. In this podcast, he responds to questions from entrepreneurs big and small, and outlines his approach to the tasks he faces.

Over a year ago, Europe implemented lockdown measures to control the spread of COVID-19.  After a year of uncertainty and abrupt changes in all aspects of our lives, the situation now looks much brighter. The vaccination roll-out is promising, while a new therapeutics strategy presented today foresees measures for speedier emergency EU-wide responses. However, the battle with COVID-19 is still not over. How can Europe improve its responses to health crises and what will it take to create a new normal with the virus still among us? Tune in to the first episode of the Europe Calling and listen to Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides addressing the most debated questions of today.