European Parliament Focuses on Employment and Social Priorities

The recent European Parliament plenary session (09-12/03/2026) discussed issues such as the European Semester, gender pay gaps, the housing crisis, and the EU enlargement strategy. MEPs focused on employment and social policy priorities, but the presented report is considered to emphasize employers and competitiveness rather than workers. High unemployment rates in vulnerable groups, in-work poverty, and inequalities between member states were highlighted. Proposed priorities include strengthening social rights, reducing poverty, and promoting quality jobs, however, their implementation is subject to the constraints of the European Semester and fiscal discipline. Despite positive references, the report is considered to remain oriented towards increasing capital profits.